A: We operate with a three-part purpose statement that explains our overall goals and highest aspirations: 1) To empower Kansas to lead the nation in health; 2) To eliminate the inequities that lead to the greatest health disparities; and, 3) To be THE model of philanthropic impact.

A: We claim 1985 as the start of our organization. But, our roots can actually be traced back to 1912. To learn more, view the “Our History” section of this page.

A: To improve the health of all Kansans.

A: Our offices are located near the corner of Douglas and Topeka in the heart of downtown Wichita. Our physical and mailing address is 309 E. Douglas, Wichita, Kan., 67202.

A: We are open Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Our building is closed from noon to 1 p.m. for lunch each day.

A: In 1985, Wesley Hospital, a staple in the Wichita community since 1912, was sold to Hospital Corporation of America. Prior to the sale, Wesley was a nonprofit hospital, which was then being sold to a for-profit entity. Federal tax law requires that all proceeds from such a sale go to nonprofit purposes. Several organizations were created with the proceeds, including what is today known as the Kansas Health Foundation.

A: To learn more about our team, including both our board and staff, please visit the Our Team section of this site.

A: We are a nonprofit organization working with partners across Kansas to find solutions to the most challenging health issues facing our state.

A: We fund a variety of organizations, programs and initiatives, all with the aim of making progress on the major health challenges facing Kansas communities. To learn more about available grant programs, please visit the Opportunities section of this site.

A: We do, at times, provide grants to 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, but we do not provide funding directly to individuals. The primary opportunity for Kansas organizations to apply for grant funds is through our Kansas Innovation Fund. This grant opportunity is currently closed but will reopen in January 2025.

A: Our major initiatives are approved by the Foundation’s Board of Directors, and these projects represent the largest percentage of grant money given each year. For other grant programs, including the Kansas Innovation Fund, decisions are made via an internal committee of reviewers.

A: While we are not formally recognized as a lobbying organization, we do, on occasion, engage in policy work. Unlike some organizations, we do not put out a formal policy platform or agenda each year. Instead, we work with organizations and communities across Kansas to determine how we can best support different policy goals or specific policy/legislation to improve health in our state.

A: The Kansas Health Foundation founded the Kansas Health Institute in 1995 and continues to fund this Topeka-based organization, which conducts research and policy analysis on health-related issues. The Kansas Health Institute also provides state lawmakers with nonpartisan, objective data to help inform their decisions on health policy. The Kansas Health Institute is one of our key partners, but it is not run by the Kansas Health Foundation. KHI has its own staff, board of directors and goals.

A: The Kansas Health Foundation created the Kansas Leadership Center in 2005 and continues to fund this Wichita-based organization, which is dedicated to nurturing and building leaders throughout the state. The Leadership Center provides the training and resources necessary to unlock the often-overlooked leadership potential within each of us. Leadership is critical to help Kansans transform their communities into healthier places to live. While the Kansas Leadership Center is one of our key partners, it is not run by the Kansas Health Foundation. It is a separate organization with its own staff, board of directors and goals.