The University of Kansas Health System, St. Francis Campus, is committed to improving the overall health of the community and counties/regions we serve by funding projects or sponsoring events that address community health needs outside the healthcare system.
Our Approach
The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus supports the most recent Shawnee County Community Health Needs Assessment and addresses the health, economic, social, and community development needs of adjoining counties/communities.
Eligibility Criteria
Organizations requesting funding must be a legal entity that is tax-exempt under IRS Section 501(c)(3) or another non-profit as relevant to St. Francis’ funding priorities and not a private foundation as described under Section 509(a).
Projects outside of St. Francis service areas will not be considered. Our service areas include the following counties: Shawnee, Osage, Wabaunsee, Jackson, Pottawatomie, Jefferson, Lyon, Brown, Nemaha
The following requests are among those that will not be considered for support:
- Biomedical or clinical research
- Conference or symposium fees
- Debt reduction
- Endowments
- Organizations that discriminate based on age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture, language, physical or mental disability, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression.
- Individuals
- Political campaigns, candidates, or partisan activities
- Projects with a religious purpose
- Scholarships
- Leagues sports,
- School-based programs such as athletics, band, chorus, scouts, and theater
Sponsorship Priorities
Understandably, St. Francis cannot fund the multitudes of requests it receives. St. Francis prioritizes funding sponsorships that address the needs identified in the most recent Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs). We also support projects of regional-county importance that address our communities’ economic, social, and community development needs.
Prioritized needs from 2024 Shawnee County CHNA include:
- Food Security
- Substance Abuse
- Mental Health Access
- Health Equity
Sponsorship Information
To view the sponsorship application guidelines and template and submit your application, please click the “Sponsorship Application” link above. Sponsorship applications are reviewed and awarded during three cycles.
Cycle 1
- Deadline: March 24, 2025
- Open Period: 1/1/2025 – 3/24/2025
- Notified by: 4/15/2025
Cycle 2
- Deadline: June 23, 2025
- Open Period: 4/1/2025 – 6/23/2025
- Notified by: 7/15/2025
Cycle 3
- Deadline: September 22, 2025
- Open Period: 7/1/2025 – 9/22/2025
- Notified by: 10/15/2025
Cycle 4
- Deadline: December 15, 2025
- Open Period: 10/1/2025 – 12/15/2025
- Notified by: 1/15/2026
General sponsorship information
- Funding decisions will be emailed to the contact person on the application per the notification dates listed.
- Presentations and site visits may or may not be requested.
- Please note that prior contributions do not indicate a precedent for future funding.
- Due to the large volume of applicants, we regret that we cannot critique unsuccessful requests.
- Please see our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a grant and a sponsorship?
The sponsorship process generally funds one-time events and activities in the community (i.e., 5K’s, fundraisers, etc.). In comparison, the grants fund ongoing, long-term initiatives, programs, or projects that will specifically impact and improve one or more health outcomes.
Can I apply for multiple sponsorships in the same cycle?
You may apply for more than one sponsorship if you have multiple events for which you are planning.
I can’t get the portal to work; can I email or mail in my application?
To be fair and consistent with all applicants, we cannot accept applications not submitted through the portal. We want all our applicants to be successful, so please get in touch with us with your issue.
How much is a typical award amount?
There is no set fund limit for which you may apply for grants or sponsorships; however, we receive many applications and can only fund some of them. Sponsorships are typically awarded in the range of $500 – $5,000.
How will my application be received and awarded?
You will receive an automated email with an update on your application by the notification date.
I didn’t get my application submitted in time; is there a grace period?
To be fair and consistent with all our applicants, we cannot accept applications submitted after the due date. Please start your application early and contact us with any issues to ensure a timely submission. If you do not present your application in time, you may submit it in the following cycle.
I don’t have a non-profit, but I am still doing charity work. Can I apply?
To ensure fiscal responsibility, The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus cannot fund organizations or groups that are not 501(c)(3)