Kansas Innovation Fund

Kansas Innovation Fund: Seeding Social Change for Health Equity

Geographic Scope: Kansas statewide

The Kansas Innovation Fund provides mini grants of up to $5,000 to enable eligible Kansas nonprofits to test innovative ideas to address health and health equity. The program supports a range of ideas from different sectors that address the underlying factors causing poor health outcomes and health disparities.

Eligibility

• Any eligible 501(c)(3) organization, government entity, or church in Kansas classified as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
• Not a "supporting organization" described in Section 509(a)(3)
• Not a "private foundation" as defined in Section 509(a)
• Must have their independent 501(c)(3) designation (fiscal sponsorships are not permitted)
• Limit: No more than one Kansas Innovation Grant per organization per year

Funding Purpose & Focus Areas

The funding must support new projects, not existing operations or programming. Priority is given to applications aligned with KHF's Upward Mobility Issue Mobilization effort.

Upward Mobility Definition: The ability to stabilize, thrive and make choices over time, without losing connection to culture, community or self. Every Kansan should have the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their starting point in life.

What KHF Will NOT Fund

• Capital campaigns (directly or indirectly)
• New building construction or any other construction projects
• Operating deficits or retirement of debt
• Endowment programs
• Real estate acquisitions
• Lobbying efforts
• Individual medical care
• Medical equipment or supplies
• Medical research
• Private education or scholarships
• Grants to individuals

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated on:

1. Health Impact: Does the funding request make it possible for more Kansans to have the opportunity to live a healthy life, or improve overall health?
2. Innovation: Does it propose a new and innovative project for your organization?
3. Scope: Will it benefit Kansans or Kansas communities?

Application Timeline

• Open Application: This is an open, rolling opportunity
• Funds Available: Until exhausted for the fiscal year
• Review Schedule: Monthly reviews
• Decision Timeline: Funding decisions made within 12-week period
• Resubmission: If not funded, organizations may submit other ideas

Contact Information

• Eligibility & Criteria Questions: applications@khf.org (Grants & Contracts Manager)
• Technical Support: help@khf.org (Business Intelligence Manager)
• General Contact: info@khf.org

How to Apply

1. Prepare Required Documents in Advance
   • IRS determination letter (PDF format) - Letter from Internal Revenue Service confirming nonprofit status/tax exemption
   • Identify which Economic Development Districts (regions) your project will serve using the Kansas Department of Commerce map
   • Gather legally authorized signatory information (CEO, President, Executive Director, or School District Superintendent name, title, and email)
2. Complete Online Application Form
   • Create a Microsoft Word document in advance for offline reference - the form cannot be saved once started
   • Access the application form on the Kansas Innovation Fund page
   • Complete all required fields
   • Upload IRS determination letter in PDF format
   • Specify which Kansas regions will be served (reference Economic Development Districts map)
   • Include legally authorized signatory information
3. Submit Application
   • Click "Submit" button when form is complete
   • Note: Form times out after 3 hours of inactivity - ensure completion before timeout
   • You will receive a confirmation after submission

Required Information

• Organization name and 501(c)(3) status
• Project title and description
• Geographic regions served (by Economic Development District)
• How the funding addresses health/health equity
• How the project is new and innovative
• Expected impact on Kansas communities
• Legally authorized signatory (CEO, President, Executive Director, or Superintendent)
• IRS determination letter