This request for proposals (RFP) focuses on the systems impacting children’s health, early learning, and high-quality education, to shift those in ways that create more opportunities for school readiness and educational success for more Kansas children. In particular, this initiative will support work that benefits Black, Indigenous and other People of Color (BIPOC) and low-income families experiencing the greatest barriers.
Learn MoreUPDATED – Be watching our website and social media channels for updates on the 2021 Impact and Capacity Grant (ICG) program. We expect to release the application this spring.
Learn MoreAll Kansas families should live in communities of opportunity, where good schools, healthy environments, safe homes, quality jobs, and access to health care, high-quality goods and services are the norm. We believe education, health care, and children being ready to learn are critical pieces of creating and supporting communities of opportunity. This request for proposals (RFP) focuses on the systems impacting children’s health, early learning, and high-quality education, to shift those in ways that create more opportunities for school readiness and educational success for more Kansas children. In particular, this initiative will support work that benefits Black, Indigenous and other People of Color (BIPOC) and low-income families experiencing the greatest barriers.
We also recognize that the foundation for learning is the physical, mental and emotional health of the child and the family, with the building blocks being established before birth. Research has shown that when children are healthy and ready to learn before they enter kindergarten, it increases their chances of success once they enter the school system. We need to address the environment into which children are being born, particularly for children facing challenges, such as high poverty, chronic stress and lack of resources/supports, to increase their long-term odds for success.
To this end, the Kansas Health Foundation (KHF) and the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund (UMHMF) are partnering to engage three organizations to co-create and implement a shared advocacy agenda focused on children 0-8 designed to reduce barriers to academic success and improve educational outcomes. Because no single policy can effectively increase equity in school readiness or educational outcomes, we want to work with these grantee organizations to advance a multi-prong agenda that recognizes the many issues and systems that impact children and families, including health access and high-quality early care. We believe that by engaging community voice and leadership, and supporting grassroots organizations with technical expertise and strong intersectional partnerships, positive impacts will be made on Kansas public policies in ways that reduce barriers to academic success and improve educational and health outcomes.
Up to three organizations will be awarded up to $300,000 each to be used over a span of three years ($100,000 annually) beginning May 1, 2021 and ending April 30, 2024.
Applications are accepted Monday, February 1, 2021, through Friday, March 5, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. CST.
If your organization has relevant experience and expertise but you question whether or how you should apply, please reach out to KHF Program Officer Chan Brown to discuss at cbrown@khf.org.
Complete information about this grant opportunity can be found in the official Request for Proposals document.
We are asking the three organizations funded through this initiative to engage in advocacy efforts that will result in policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) changes that consider three fundamental questions:
The grantees selected will advocate for PSE improvements to answer the above questions by:
Both approaches are intended to lead to PSE changes resulting in more students experiencing success in the classroom.
In reviewing proposals, consideration will be given to the extent to which applicants describe:
Funding is not available for:
KHF is interested in reaching organizations who have authentic connections to families with prenatal to age eight BIPOC children and those experiencing poverty to ensure these organizations have the opportunity to apply. Nonprofits who identify as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code can apply. Eligible applicants are tax-exempt organizations qualified under Sections 509(a)(1) or (a)(2) of the Code.
All proposals must be submitted through KHF’s online grantmaking portal.
To access and submit a proposal, applicants must have a current user account for the portal. If they do not have a current user account, applicants can create one by registering here.
Please note, KHF has recently updated our online grantmaking portal to offer an improved user experience. Most importantly, if you have a current user account, your username is now the email used to create your original account. Your password has not changed. Any questions can be directed to grants@khf.org or by calling (316) 262-7676.
Within the proposal, applicants will respond to the following prompts and questions:
An informational webinar was held on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021, to answer questions about this initiative and the application process.
We recorded the live webinar for those who could not attend the event. That webinar recording can be viewed here.
Applicants Webinar: February 9, 2021, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. CST
Proposals Due: March 5, 2021 by 5:00p.m. CST
Grant Awards Announced: By April 17, 2021
Grant Term Begins: May 1, 2021
Please note, this timeline is subject to minor changes but will be updated on this webpage.
Further details about the Advocates for Equity, Education and Health Initiative can be found in
the one-page overview and the official Request For Proposals document. We also encourage applicants to review the Frequently Asked Questions document before applying.
Any questions can be directed to the following KHF staff members:
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