Primary & Specialty Care Access Grant

The Primary and Specialty Care Access Open Call Grant, provided by the Patterson Family Foundation, supports initiatives that expand rural healthcare access by enhancing the availability and sustainability of medical services. With a strong focus on serving rural communities in Kansas and western Missouri, this opportunity targets projects that address persistent barriers to primary and specialty care through innovative, systems-strengthening approaches. The Foundation recognizes the vital role that close-to-home clinical care plays in community health outcomes and aims to ensure rural residents can access timely, high-quality services without needing to travel long distances. Projects eligible for this funding must directly contribute to improved access to care, recruitment or retention of healthcare providers, or strengthened healthcare infrastructure in rural areas. Applicants are encouraged to design interventions that not only meet immediate needs but also contribute to the long-term stability of rural healthcare systems. Successful applications will outline clear strategies for increasing patient access, reducing care delays, and addressing workforce shortages. Grantees are expected to report on key metrics such as the number of residents served, the volume and scope of medical services added or expanded, recruitment results for providers, and measurable changes in community access to care. The scope of allowable uses under this grant includes a range of supportive and strategic investments. Fundable activities include technology purchases (excluding electronic medical records), patient navigation systems, care coordination models, and transportation supports aimed at reducing access barriers. In addition, applicants may use grant funding for partnership development to reinforce local provider networks, as well as for training and educational initiatives that strengthen service delivery and prepare clinical teams. The emphasis is on infrastructure and systemic interventions rather than direct patient aid or clinical billing. Applicants must be located in or serve one or more of the Foundation’s designated rural counties in Kansas or western Missouri—defined as counties with fewer than 50,000 residents. Eligible entities include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public school districts, and government bodies. Organizations that do not meet these criteria may apply with a fiscal sponsor that does, provided they engage fully in the due diligence process. Applications that show readiness, feasibility, and sustainability—alongside regional alignment and evidence of need—will be given priority during the review process. The grant process begins in the Foundation’s Grants Portal and follows a two-phase application format. Interested applicants must first submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) by the applicable deadline; successful LOIs will receive an invitation to submit a full proposal. Required documentation includes organizational financials, project budgets, IRS verification, and other supporting materials. The 2026 grant cycle consists of two rounds: LOIs for Round 1 are due February 18, with full proposals due April 3. Round 2 LOIs are due May 13, and applications must be submitted by June 29. Award decisions are communicated in June and September, with funds released the following month. Applicants are advised to contact the Foundation through the Grants Portal for program-related questions. Technical assistance is available through the foundation’s website or via email. Once awards are confirmed in writing, grantees may publicly acknowledge support from the Foundation. However, participation in the application process does not guarantee funding, and the Foundation does not make any commitments until formal award letters are issued.

Emphasize outcomes in access expansion, provider recruitment, and infrastructure development.