The Greater Lee’s Summit Healthcare Foundation is a private philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of the Lee’s Summit community in Missouri. Its mission centers on funding sustainable, community-based projects that address both traditional healthcare needs and the broader social determinants of health, including food security, education, and public safety. Grants are awarded to support creative and impactful initiatives that provide measurable improvements in community wellness, with a strong emphasis on benefiting underserved populations.
Eligible project areas include research, education, public training programs, school-based programs, clinics serving indigent populations, equipment acquisition, direct health-related services, and other community-centered innovations. The foundation particularly favors proposals that seed initiatives capable of becoming self-sustaining and encourages the submission of multi-year grant requests. Projects must be led by public charities and demonstrate a capacity for broad community impact, operational efficiency, and long-term viability.
Applicants may request between $2,500 and $10,000. Proposals are accepted annually from September 1st to October 31st, with awards announced in January and presented at a February celebration. Funding is typically disbursed in two installments: 50% at the award ceremony and 50% after submission of a mid-year interim report due by August 31st. Final reports must be submitted by November 30th. Exceptions to the payment schedule may be considered for grantees in good standing who demonstrate an urgent need for full upfront funding.
The foundation evaluates proposals based on several criteria, including innovation, alignment with core funding priorities, clarity of goals, evaluation and accountability mechanisms, and potential community impact. Key priorities include health equity, mental and preventive health, sustainability, community engagement, and collaboration among local organizations. Projects that actively involve Community Health Workers and include strong outreach and visibility components receive additional consideration.
Grant requests must be submitted through the foundation’s official application form. Any supporting materials that cannot be uploaded via the portal must be mailed to the foundation’s PO Box or sent via email. The foundation will confirm receipt of all submissions. Operational costs, individual beneficiaries, and general salary expenses are not eligible for funding unless related to a self-sustaining pilot or seed initiative.
Prioritize sustainability, measurable impact, equity, and community engagement. Projects involving CHWs or strong outreach get preference.
