Before you apply

Make sure you meet the following requirements before you begin the application process.

Organizational requirements

  • 501(c) tax-exempt status as defined under IRS Code Section 509(c)(1) or 509(c)(2)
    • If your organization has applied for 501(c)(3) status but has not yet received it, you will be required to use a fiscal sponsor (learn more on our FAQ page)
    • Organizations will need to provide a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN); or, for government entities, provide enabling statutes
  • Health Forward prioritizes organizations located within — and that maintain ongoing operations (including staffing and programs) in — our six-county service area: Kansas City, Mo., and/or Jackson, Cass or Lafayette counties in Missouri, or Allen, Johnson or Wyandotte Counties in Kansas. We will give consideration to organizations located outside our service area whose work will benefit our communities of focus living within our service area.
  • Compliance with local, state, and federal regulations related to non-discrimination, wage and hour laws, workplace safety, licensure, protection of confidential health care information, and all other laws and regulations applicable to the staff, patients, consumers, and the workplace of the applicant
  • Compliance with IRS annual 990 filing requirements according to the size of annual revenues of the organization

Policies and practices requirements

Nondiscrimination policy

In awarding funding, Health Forward does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or veteran status. We expect our funded to do so as well in either employment practice or in policies and procedures concerning access to services. Eligible organization’s policies and practices will be consistent with Health Forward values.

Ineligible activities

All grants must align with Health Forward’s mission and priorities. There are some things that we do not fund, including:

  • Individuals, for any reason, including paying for medical procedures, prescriptions, health insurance, education, or training
  • Basic or applied biomedical research, or laboratory studies
  • Construction, purchase, non-mandated renovation, demolition, or re-purposing of any physical facilities or real property
  • Political campaigns to support or oppose candidates for public office
  • Evangelizing activities of religious organizations
  • Annual fundraising appeals

Missouri Open Meetings Law requirements

Health Forward is required to meet the requirements of the Missouri Open Meetings Law (Sunshine Law) in all respects. Materials submitted as part of any application may be made available to the public.

Everything else

For answers to common questions, review our frequently asked questions.

These funding guidelines are intended to provide a general idea of funding eligibility and are not intended to be all inclusive or rigid. Health Forward encourages prospective applicants to contact us with any questions.