The Wichita-based Kansas Health Foundation (KHF) has announced a 10-year investment of up to $30 million to launch an initiative that aims to address issues of racial equity across the state.

Through the Building Power and Equity Partnership (BPEP), the foundation aims to partner with 30 grassroots organizations working to address health disparities in Kansas. In addition to grant funding, selected partners will receive access to training, outside expertise, and third-party services to increase and develop organizational capacity to address issues of equity and justice.

The funding marks the foundation’s largest single investment focused on racial equity. KHF selected 30 initial partners for the initiative, including Advocates for Immigrant Rights and Reconciliation, Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills, Kansas Black Farmers Association, Omni Circle Group, SENT Topeka, The Hub Argentine, and The Toolbox.

“If we’re going to lead the nation in health, we can’t just make healthy people healthier,” said KHF president and CEO Ed O’Malley. “We have to look at ways to address the inequities that lead to health disparities. That means connecting and partnering with the organizations closest to the communities, neighborhoods, and households where these disparities are most prevalent.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Verbaska Studio)