Thank you for your support in 2025.
Reflect on the highlights from the past year.
HEALTH CARE STUDENTS
The Research Foundation supported the education of 88 traditional and accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students by awarding $349,393 to students enrolled at Research College of Nursing, Avila University, and William Jewell College during the 2025-2026 academic year. The Research Foundation also provided nursing students emergency financial assistance and sponsored white coats and commitment coats.
The Research Foundation also gave $34,000 in scholarships to physical therapy students as well as $22,000 to students pursuing careers in radiation therapy, radiologic technology, and nuclear medicine technology. An additional $48,000 was awarded to licensed practical nursing students in a newly launched scholarship program.
HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS
The Research Foundation partnered with the Ed Bixby Institute for Postgraduate Medical Education and Kansas City Southwest Clinical Society to host the Infectious Disease Symposium and Hoeper Primary Care Symposium in 2025. Funding for symposiums are provided by the J.B. Reynolds Foundation, the Research Medical Center Medical Staff, and the Dr. Sam Hoeper Sr. Fund.
The Research Foundation also recognized outstanding nursing faculty for teaching excellence, community service, scholarly achievement, and leadership at Research College of Nursing, Avila University, and William Jewell College. Additional support was given to faculty members at the three nursing programs for doctoral degrees.
PATIENTS
The Research Foundation collaborates with Bra Couture KC to make Verda’s Place available to uninsured and underinsured cancer patients. Located in the Sarah Cannon Cancer Center at Research Medical Center, Verda’s Place supports lymphedema services, prosthetics, assistance with utilities, food cards, medications, nutritional supplements, and comfort items. In 2025, 42 cancer patients received assistance through Verda’s Place.
The Research Foundation also supported 48 cancer patients through the Dr. Kelley Young Memorial Fund, established by family and friends of oncologist Dr. Kelley Young. The fund further expands support for cancer patients in need.
The Research Foundation entered a new partnership with HappyBottoms to address the need for diapers among underserved families in Kansas City by sponsoring the establishment of a diaper distribution site at Research Medical Center. A total of 85 families received diapers each month during 2025.
INJURY PREVENTION FOR YOUTH
The Research Foundation’s Young Traffic Offenders Program educated 897 young drivers in 2025. The program strives to change driving habits of young people by presenting the consequences of careless driving.
The Research Foundation also provided ThinkFirst injury prevention programs to nearly 16,000 Kansas City area students in the 2024-2025 academic year. ThinkFirst educates youth about preventing traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries by discussing safe driving, seat belt usage, sports and recreation safety, helmet usage, water safety, pedestrian and bicycle safety, and avoiding violence.
COMMUNIY GRANTS
The Research Foundation partnered with 44 organizations who were approved to receive funding through its community grants program in 2025. The grants support programs and organizations that expand access to care and promote health equity. The Research Foundation focused its grants on organizations with health-centered missions that primarily serve residents in Jackson County, Missouri, prioritizing urban Kansas City.
