WICHITA, Kan. – As part of the Kansas Health Foundation’s (KHF) goal to help Kansas lead the nation in health, KHF is forming a long-term partnership with 30 Kansas organizations to address issues of racial equity.

This initiative, titled the Building Power and Equity Partnership (BPEP), is meant to work closely and collaboratively with grassroots organizations and organizations with a stated mission to help address health disparities in Kansas. This initiative will mark the largest single investment focused on racial equity in KHF’s history, with a possible investment of $30 million during the next decade.

“If we’re going to lead the nation in health, we can’t just make healthy people healthier,” said Ed O’Malley, KHF President and CEO. “We have to look at ways to address the inequities that lead to health disparities. That means connecting and partnering with the organizations closest to the communities, neighborhoods and households where these disparities are most prevalent.”

The 30 partners were chosen from a competitive process. In addition to grant funding, these organizations will also receive access to training, outside expertise and third-party services meant to grow and develop the organizations and the influence they have in addressing issues of equity and justice.

“We can’t thank these organizations enough for raising their hands and saying, ‘Yes, I’m in, and I want to see a healthier, more equitable Kansas,’” O’Malley said. “This is a landmark moment for KHF, and we are so excited to work closely with these partners in ways that make an impact today, tomorrow and for generations to come.”

The initiative will be led by KHF community impact officers Valerie Black and Juston White. A video featuring Black and White talking about the initiative can be seen here.

Below is a list of organizations agreeing to partner with KHF on this effort:

• Advocates for Immigrant Rights and Reconciliation
• Alce su Voz at Wichita State University
• Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills
• Community Housing of Wyandotte County
• Common Ground Producers and Growers
• Create Campaign
• Destination Innovation
• Emporia Spanish Speakers
• Empower Evergreen
• Fort Hays State University: Diversity and Inclusion
• Garden City Community College: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
• Groundwork Northeast Revitalization Group
• Hope Community Development Corporation
• Kansas Birth Justice Society
• Kansas Black Farmers Association
• Kansas Family Advisory Network
• Kansas Latino Community Network
• Loud Light
• Metro Organization for Racial and Economic Equity (MORE2)
• Mt. Carmel Redevelopment Corporation
• Omni Circle Group
• Pittsburg State University: Office of Inclusion and Belonging
• Rosedale Development Association
• Salud + Bienestar
• SENT Topeka
• Suburban Balance
• The Black MasterMind Group Charitable Foundation
• The Hub Argentine
• The Neighboring Movement
• The Toolbox

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