• We believe in the power of learning. Education can transform lives today and for generations to come.

• We work in partnerships. We multiply our efforts and resources by joining forces with those we serve and organizations who share our vision.

• Every investment should create sustainable good. We leverage our resources through partnerships that build greater capacity for lasting change.

• Effective work requires assessment and measurement. Our decisions are based on thorough assessment of needs and measurable outcomes.

• Fiscal responsibility requires transparency. Our fiscal practices mandate decisions ensuring our support of the community in perpetuity.

The Research Foundation story began in 1965 when Research Hospital Foundation was formed to raise funds to help Research Hospital provide health care services to the community. For nearly 40 years, the foundation provided support to Research Medical Center to bring the latest in medical advancements and treatments and to provide a broad base of services to serve the health care needs of patients in the greater Kansas City community. With the purchase of Research Medical Center by the for-profit health care company HCA in 2003, The Research Foundation became an independent 501c(3) non-profit organization.

At the time of the separation, The Research Foundation’s unrestricted funds were invested to ensure the foundation would exist to benefit the health of the Kansas City community in perpetuity. Today, the foundation remains committed to its current programs that invest in nursing and allied health students and professionals, patients, and the Kansas City community. To maximize our impact, the board of directors determined additional foundation funds could be used to support community health partnerships.

The Research Foundation serves the community and carries on the spirit of the original foundation through our many health-centered programs and partnerships.