Healthcare Workforce Development Grant

Healthcare Workforce Development Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Patterson Family Foundation
Last Updated: March 20, 2026

Summary

The Patterson Family Foundation supports healthcare workforce development in rural communities across Kansas and western Missouri. The foundation encourages programs that enhance education, licensure, and retention of healthcare professionals. Organizations must register for grant consideration, and eligibility includes being a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or government entity. The foundation's mission focuses on strategic initiatives to ensure rural communities thrive, emphasizing collaboration and investment in essential services.

Overview

Note: The Patterson Family Foundation reviews grant applications in two cycles, allowing us to disburse funds as efficiently as possible. LOIs submitted by February 18th will be considered part of round one and the deadline for these applications will be April 3rd. LOIs submitted after February 18th will be considered part of round two, and the deadline for these applications will be June 29th. Registration is required before applying. This is represented by the pre-proposal deadline above. Organizations will register in the Grants Portal by 12:00 PM (Noon) CST on Feb 13, 2026 for Round 1 consideration and by 12:00 PM (Noon) CST on May 6, 2026 for Round 2. All registration requests are reviewed for eligibility before access to the Letter of Inquiry (LOI) application is granted. Committed to your community. The Patterson Family Foundation, based in Kansas City, Missouri, is a family-led foundation that extends the legacy of Neal and Jeanne Patterson. The Foundation’s mission, “Working together to help rural communities thrive,” is carried forward through strategic grantmaking and other collaborative initiatives that serve rural counties across Kansas and western Missouri. Our Mission Working together to help rural communities thrive. Strategies for Thriving Rural Communities At the Patterson Family Foundation, we believe that thriving rural communities aren’t just about the numbers—they’re about the people who choose to live there. A strong and engaged community is built on essentials like access to good jobs, quality healthcare, educational opportunities, and a sense of belonging. But keeping rural communities strong doesn’t happen on its own—it takes all of us working together. That’s why we focus on working with local leaders, businesses, and organizations to invest in the areas that matter most, ensuring that rural places don’t just get by but thrive for generations to come. Healthcare Workforce Development Programs that develop and promote the education, licensure, development, and recruitment and/or retention of critical healthcare workforce roles in rural communities.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Location: Organizations located in or serving a county or community within the Patterson Family Foundation’s Kansas or western Missouri catchment are eligible to apply.  Read more about the Patterson Family Foundation’s philanthropic catchment. Nonprofit Status: Applicants need to be a 501(c)(3) organization, school district, or government entity.

Ineligibility

Projects that will not be considered for funding include: Capital (for new school building structures only) Programs that include scholarship funding need to also directly support the placement of healthcare practitioners in rural communities.HousingRelocation fees for new hiresThe Patterson Family Foundation can only provide funding for charitable activities, therefore, we do not plan to fund for-profit entities through our active grant programs. Projects working in or serving communities outside our catchment will not be eligible for grant funding