The Wichita-based Kansas Health Foundation has announced grants totaling more than $19 million in support of civic leadership, media coverage of health-related issues, and community-focused philanthropy in the state.

The awards will provide core funding support over five years, starting in January 2021, to three organizations as part of the foundation's efforts to build the capacity and sustainability of organizations working in its focus areas. 

To that end, the foundation awarded $15.4 million to the Kansas Leadership Center in support of its efforts to empower leaders working to build stronger, healthier, and more prosperous Kansas communities; nearly $2.85 million to the Kansas News Service in support of its efforts to deliver unbiased, nonpartisan coverage of health-related issues in the state; and a $1 million capacity-building grant to the Kansas Association of Community Foundations in support of its effort to strengthen and promote philanthropy and long-term health improvements in the state.

"When these organizations accomplish their missions, it is natural to see progress in the KHF mission to improve the health of all Kansans," said KHF board chair Matt Allen. "The board was compelled to continue investing in these organizations as they work to foster civic leadership, cover health-related issues, and support the needs of communities through community-led philanthropy."