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Sally Ann Firestone Foundation

Annual Giving
$0.1M

Sally Ann Firestone Foundation

Quick Stats

  • EIN: 43-1330037
  • Annual Giving: $70,000 (2023)
  • Grant Range: Information not publicly available
  • Number of Grants: 5 grants (2023), 6 grants (2022)
  • Geographic Focus: Kansas City, Missouri area
  • Foundation Type: Private family foundation
  • Application Process: No public application process

Contact Details

Address: C/o B John Readey, 1200 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64105-2100

Phone: 816-374-3200 (appears to be managed through UMB Bank)

Note: No website or email contact information is publicly available.

Overview

The Sally Ann Firestone Foundation is a private family foundation established in 1985 in Kansas City, Missouri. The foundation was named after Sally Ann Firestone (1947-2024), a prominent Kansas City philanthropist and disability rights advocate who survived the 1981 Hyatt Regency skywalk collapse as a quadriplegic. The foundation's annual giving totaled $70,000 in 2023, distributed through 5 grants to organizations aligned with its mission. The foundation focuses on three core areas: religion, education, and accessibility for physically challenged people—reflecting Sally Firestone's personal experiences and commitment to the Kansas City community. The foundation operates as a traditional private family foundation with grants awarded through trustee discretion rather than a public application process.

Funding Priorities

Priority Areas

The Sally Ann Firestone Foundation focuses on three distinct funding areas:

Religion: Support for religious institutions and faith-based organizations. Given Sally Firestone's service on the board of Central United Methodist Church (now Resurrection Brookside), the foundation may have particular interest in Methodist and other mainline Protestant organizations, though specific grant recipients have not been publicly disclosed.

Education: Educational institutions and programs. Sally Firestone served for 21 years on the board of trustees at St. Paul School of Theology, suggesting potential interest in theological education and higher education institutions in the Kansas City area.

Accessibility for Physically Challenged People: Programs and organizations that improve accessibility, mobility, and quality of life for individuals with disabilities. This priority area reflects Sally Firestone's personal experience as a quadriplegic following the 1981 Hyatt Regency skywalk collapse and her advocacy work in the disability community.

Grant Activity

  • 2023: 5 grants totaling $70,000
  • 2022: 6 grants awarded
  • 2021: 6 grants awarded
  • 2020: 6 grants awarded

The foundation maintains consistent grantmaking activity, typically making 5-6 grants annually. Specific grant amounts and recipient organizations are not publicly disclosed but can be found in the foundation's IRS Form 990-PF filings.

Governance and Leadership

The Sally Ann Firestone Foundation was named after Sally Ann Firestone (March 22, 1947 - February 26, 2024), who was one of Kansas City's most remarkable philanthropists and disability advocates.

Sally Firestone's Legacy: In 1981, Sally Firestone was among those caught in the Hyatt Regency skywalk collapse in Kansas City, which killed 114 people and injured over 200. She was the most seriously injured survivor, suffering a broken neck, broken legs, and severe blood loss from scalp lacerations. She spent three months in intensive care and four months in rehabilitation. Despite being told she likely would not survive, she not only lived but thrived as a quadriplegic for more than four decades.

Philanthropic Service: Sally Firestone dedicated her life to serving Kansas City organizations, including:

  • St. Paul School of Theology (Board of Trustees, 21 years)
  • Central United Methodist Church/Resurrection Brookside (Board member)
  • Folly Theatre (Board member)
  • Kansas City Academy (Board member)
  • Kingswood Senior Living Community (Board member)
  • American Jazz Museum (Board member)
  • Rehabilitation Institute of Kansas City (Advisory Committee)
  • reStart Inc., an interfaith ministry for homeless services (Advisory Committee)

The foundation appears to be administered by UMB Bank in Kansas City, with contact person listed as B. John Readey. Specific current trustee information would require accessing the most recent Form 990-PF filing.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Sally Ann Firestone Foundation does not have a public application process. This is a private family foundation that operates through trustee discretion. The foundation does not accept unsolicited grant proposals or letters of inquiry.

As is typical with small private family foundations, grants are awarded to organizations known to the trustees, often based on the founder's established relationships and areas of personal interest.

Getting on Their Radar

Given the foundation's connection to Sally Firestone's legacy and her extensive involvement in Kansas City organizations, potential approaches include:

Alignment with Sally Firestone's Passions: Organizations that served as part of Sally Firestone's philanthropic legacy may have ongoing relationships with the foundation. These include:

  • St. Paul School of Theology: Sally served on the board for 21 years and was deeply involved in the seminary's governance during major transitions
  • Resurrection Brookside (formerly Central United Methodist Church): Sally was a long-time member and board member
  • Disability advocacy and accessibility organizations: Given her personal experience and advocacy work following the 1981 Hyatt skywalk collapse
  • Arts organizations in Kansas City: Sally served on the boards of the Folly Theatre and American Jazz Museum
  • Organizations serving homeless populations: Sally served on the advisory committee of reStart Inc.

Kansas City Connection: The foundation appears to focus primarily on Kansas City-area organizations. Having an established presence in Kansas City and demonstrated impact in the foundation's priority areas (religion, education, accessibility) would be essential.

Bank Trustee Relationship: Since the foundation appears to be administered through UMB Bank, the grants may be selected through a trustee relationship at the bank. Organizations with existing relationships with UMB Bank's corporate trust division may have better insight into the foundation's current priorities.

Note: With Sally Firestone's passing in February 2024, the foundation's future direction and grantmaking approach may evolve. The foundation will likely continue to honor her legacy in the three priority areas she established.

Application Success Factors

Since this foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, the following factors appear to influence grantmaking based on the foundation's history and Sally Firestone's interests:

Personal Connection to Sally Firestone's Legacy: Organizations where Sally Firestone served on the board or had personal involvement appear to be natural beneficiaries. Her 21-year tenure on the St. Paul School of Theology board and her involvement with Resurrection Brookside, Folly Theatre, and the American Jazz Museum demonstrate her commitment to these institutions.

Focus on Disability Accessibility: Sally Firestone's experience as a quadriplegic following the 1981 Hyatt Regency skywalk collapse profoundly shaped her advocacy. According to news accounts, after spending three months in intensive care and four months in rehabilitation, she returned to work and dedicated herself to improving accessibility. Organizations that advance accessibility for wheelchair users and individuals with physical disabilities align with her lived experience.

Kansas City Geographic Focus: The foundation's contact address, Sally Firestone's lifelong residence in Kansas City (she moved there in 1975), and her service on numerous Kansas City boards suggest a strong geographic preference for local organizations.

Religious and Theological Education: Sally's involvement with Central United Methodist Church (now Resurrection Brookside) and her 21-year commitment to St. Paul School of Theology indicate support for Methodist and mainline Protestant institutions, as well as theological education.

Arts and Culture: Her board service at the Folly Theatre and American Jazz Museum demonstrates interest in preserving and promoting Kansas City's cultural institutions.

Emphasis on Impact Over Scale: With annual giving of $70,000 distributed across 5-6 grants, this is a small foundation focused on meaningful support to select organizations rather than broad grantmaking.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • This foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. It operates as a private family foundation with grants awarded through trustee discretion.

  • Sally Firestone passed away in February 2024, which may affect the foundation's future grantmaking approach. Organizations should be mindful that the foundation may be in transition.

  • The three core funding areas are clear: religion (particularly Methodist/mainline Protestant), education (especially theological education), and accessibility for people with physical disabilities. Projects must align with at least one of these areas.

  • Kansas City focus is essential: Sally Firestone dedicated her life to Kansas City organizations, and the foundation appears to maintain this geographic focus.

  • Personal connection matters: Organizations where Sally Firestone served on boards or had personal involvement are likely ongoing grant recipients. These include St. Paul School of Theology, Resurrection Brookside, Folly Theatre, American Jazz Museum, and disability advocacy organizations.

  • Disability accessibility is deeply meaningful: Sally's experience as a quadriplegic for over 40 years following the 1981 Hyatt skywalk collapse shaped her advocacy. Organizations working on wheelchair accessibility, adaptive equipment, and quality of life improvements for people with disabilities align with her legacy.

  • The foundation is managed through UMB Bank: Contact is through the bank's trust department at 816-374-3200. This suggests professional management and structured grantmaking processes.

  • Grant amounts are modest but consistent: With $70,000 distributed across 5-6 grants annually, typical grant sizes likely range from $10,000-15,000, making this foundation appropriate for smaller projects or operating support rather than major capital campaigns.

References

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