Sunderland Foundation Grant

The Sunderland Foundation, a philanthropic organization rooted in Kansas City's history, has announced a strategic shift in its funding model, initiating a planned spend-out of its assets by 2030. Established in 1945 by Lester T. Sunderland during his presidency at the Ash Grove Cement Company, the Foundation has awarded over $1 billion to organizations across the Midwest and Pacific Northwest. This legacy of giving was built on a commitment to reinvest in the communities that supported the company's growth. As part of this new chapter, the Foundation is focusing its remaining resources specifically on the Greater Kansas City area, signaling a return to its origins and a desire to accelerate its impact in addressing pressing regional challenges. The decision to spend out rather than operate in perpetuity reflects a deliberate and thoughtful evolution in the Foundation’s philanthropic approach. By distributing all charitable funds by 2030, the Foundation aims to maximize the near-term impact of its investments, ensuring that resources are used effectively to support immediate community needs. This urgency is a response to the escalating social and economic pressures faced by the Greater Kansas City area, and it demonstrates a belief that strategic, time-bound funding can produce lasting change when placed in the hands of trusted local partners. In line with this spend-out strategy, the Sunderland Foundation is transitioning to an invitation-only grantmaking model. Rather than accepting open applications, the Foundation will directly reach out to organizations that align with its five strategic focus areas: housing affordability, youth development, health and behavioral health, economic stability, and select legacy relationships that have previously received support. This approach is designed to streamline funding processes and ensure that remaining resources are allocated with precision and impact, based on long-standing relationships and alignment with mission-driven goals. The Foundation also emphasizes flexibility in the types of initiatives it will support during this spend-out phase. While its historical emphasis was on capital building projects, the Foundation is now open to a broader range of initiatives that fit within its strategic focus areas. A portion of the Foundation’s assets will also be stewarded individually by trustees, aligning with their personal philanthropic interests, which allows for additional tailored support to high-impact projects and organizations. Current grantees will continue to receive funding as previously agreed upon, with the Foundation honoring all existing commitments. For new funding opportunities, however, organizations must be directly invited by the Foundation to apply. This shift represents a narrowing of access but an intentional deepening of relationships with key partners. It is also a mechanism to ensure careful stewardship of the remaining funds as the Foundation approaches its closure in 2030. The Foundation’s contact address is 5700 W. 112th Street, Suite 320, Overland Park, KS 66211, and the general phone number is 913-335-6454. No specific contact person, email address, or detailed timeline for invitations or notification cycles has been provided. The public-facing language stresses gratitude for its nonprofit partners and a shared commitment to building a stronger Kansas City. Organizations that have not been previously funded or contacted by the Foundation should not expect a formal application process during this final phase.