WICHITA, Kan. - Through its Spring 2009 Recognition Grants Program, the Kansas Health Foundation has given $869,725 to help organizations across the state accomplish 55 innovative projects that aim to improve the health and wellness of Kansans.

Our Spring 2009 Recognition Grants range in size from $1,500 to a maximum of $25,000. Among the 55 projects the Foundation funded are:

 • A program to support efforts to reduce the risk of stroke among African-Americans.

 • A home visiting program by pediatric nurses to mothers and their newborn babies.

• A program to empower families so they can improve their current economic situations.

• A program that increases students' knowledge and understanding of math and science and the possibility of pursuing careers in science research and health fields.

 • A program creating a cadre of Certified Playground Safety Inspectors who can inspect playgrounds in child-care settings and provide technical assistance to the child care provider so that health and safety practices are improved.

For more information on these grants, visit www.khf.org/recGrants/s_09.html. Soon, we will be sending another news release with additional county-by-county details on these grant recipients and grant amounts.

Recognition Grants expand the Foundation's support to a broad range of health-related organizations throughout the state. While the majority of the Foundation's funding is through invited proposals, the Recognition Grants Program is designed to fund unsolicited requests, and is specifically targeted for grassroots groups doing innovative and meaningful work that fits within the Foundation's mission.

Using a competitive application process, the Foundation allocates $2 million every year for our Recognition Grants program. Application deadlines are March 15 and September 15 each year. Any tax-exempt, non-profit organization using the money for charitable purposes and proposing a project meeting the Foundation's mission to improve the health of all Kansans is eligible.