The Kansas City Life Sciences Fund, which received an initial contribution of $1.5 million from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, will enable donors across the region to help Kansas City recruit top medical research talent focusing especially on cures for cancer and diabetes.
The Kansas City Life Sciences Fund is the first vehicle to encourage community participation in "Time to Get It Right," a study commissioned by the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation. The study serves as a roadmap for strengthening the region's competitiveness in the global economy. Donors plan to establish several additional funds to support the region's life sciences initiatives, validating the Kansas City Life Sciences Fund's approach. The Fund expects to receive charitable gifts ranging from $25 to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The Kansas City Life Sciences Fund, established at the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, is advised by a committee of scientific experts. The fund advisors have recommended that one of the initial grants from the fund support the University of Kansas Medical Center's recruitment of a highly acclaimed researcher in the field of diabetes. In addition to strong momentum in cancer, KU is establishing a national reputation in diabetes research and care.
A regional effort around diabetes has emerged in the formation of the Midwest Diabetes Coalition, a collaborative effort of diabetes researchers and care givers from KU Medical Center, Children's Mercy Hospital, Saint Luke's Health System, the Stowers Institute for Medical Research and many other key stakeholders.
The Kansas City Life Sciences Fund enables donors to rally together and bolster support for the cause they care about. Individuals, families, corporations and organizations are encouraged to contribute to Fund. The Fund ensures that every gift makes a difference and that every donor has the opportunity to engage in and learn about this important sector.
Individuals wishing to donate to the fund can make a check payable to the Kansas City Life Sciences Fund and mail it to the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, 1055 Broadway, Suite 130, Kansas City, MO, 64105. Or, you may donate online through the Community Foundation's site.
