The Francis Family Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $5.5 million (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: 2-3 months for Small Arts Grants
• Grant Range: $1,000 - $301,000
• Geographic Focus: Kansas City metro area (arts/education), National (pulmonary research)

Contact Details

• Website: https://francisfoundation.org/
• Phone: (816) 531-0077
• Email: shari@francisfoundation.org (Grants Program Manager)
• Address: 800 West 47th Street, Suite 717, Kansas City, Missouri 64112
• Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Tuesday - Friday

Overview

The Francis Family Foundation, established in 1989 from the merger of two earlier foundations dating back to 1951, is a private grantmaking foundation with over $93 million in assets. Founded by Parker B. Francis, creator of the Puritan-Bennett Company, the foundation distributed $5.5 million through 284 grants in 2023. In 2022, the foundation transitioned from a community board to a family board led by the three Francis family members, each championing distinct focus areas. The foundation operates three primary grant programs: national pulmonary research fellowships, Kansas City area arts and culture support, and Kansas City area lifelong learning initiatives, particularly in early childhood education.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Parker B. Francis Fellowship: $225,000 over 3 years for pulmonary research (national, application deadline October)
• Small Arts Grants Program: $1,000 - $10,000 for Kansas City arts organizations (application deadline September)
• Lifelong Learning Grants: Variable amounts for KC early childhood education (no public application process)

Priority Areas

• Pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine research (national scope)
• Arts and culture organizations with revenues under $300,000 (Kansas City metro)
• Early childhood education and lifelong learning (Kansas City metro)
• Organizations serving underserved communities

What They Don't Fund

• Individuals (except through fellowship program)
• Fraternal organizations
• Political parties
• Arts organizations with annual revenues over $300,000 (for Small Arts program)
• Organizations outside Kansas City metro area (except pulmonary research)

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is governed by a family board consisting of Parker B. Francis's grandchildren:

• David V. Francis (Board Chair) - Commercial pilot focusing on lifelong learning, invested over $500,000 in 2023
• J. Scott Francis (Board Vice-Chair) - Artist and philanthropist championing arts and culture, invested over $450,000 in 2023
• Ann F. Barhoum - Focuses on organizations supporting underserved communities, invested nearly $400,000 in 2023

Staff includes Liana Riesinger (Administrator/Senior Program Officer) and Shari Hockenbery (Grants Program Manager).

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

• Parker B. Francis Fellowship: Online application through foundation website, requires institutional approval
• Small Arts Grants: Application available August 5, due September 4 annually via foundation website
• Lifelong Learning: No public application process; grants made through trustee discretion and existing relationships

Decision Timeline

• Small Arts Grants: Board decision in November, awards distributed in December (3-month process)
• Parker B. Francis Fellowship: October deadline for July start the following year (9-month process)
• Lifelong Learning: Variable based on trustee relationships

Success Rates

Specific success rates not publicly disclosed. Small Arts program funds 41-45 organizations annually from $250,000 budget. Fellowship program has supported 925+ fellows since 1976, indicating high selectivity.

Reapplication Policy

Not explicitly stated in public materials. Small Arts grantees include both repeat and first-time recipients annually, suggesting reapplication is permitted.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's funding patterns and stated priorities:

• Small Arts applicants: Emphasize community access and cultural diversity. In 2024, the foundation specifically highlighted first-time grantees including organizations focused on underserved communities
• Fellowship applicants: Must demonstrate 75% time availability for research and have 2-3 publications minimum. Strong mentorship component is essential
• Geographic alignment crucial: Kansas City organizations should emphasize local community impact within the 60-mile radius
• Budget size matters: Arts organizations must have revenues under $300,000 to qualify for Small Arts program
• Family member interests: Each board member has distinct funding priorities - align proposals accordingly (David: education, Scott: arts, Ann: underserved communities)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Foundation transitioned to family board in 2022, with each member directing significant personal funding ($400,000-$500,000 annually)
• Small Arts Grant program is the most accessible entry point with clear application process and timeline
• Median grant size is $8,000, suggesting foundation favors supporting many organizations rather than few large grants
• No public application process for general lifelong learning grants - relationship building essential
• Foundation maintains strong Kansas City focus except for national pulmonary research program
• Consider fiscal sponsorship if your arts organization lacks 501(c)(3) status
• Foundation office hours are limited (Tuesday-Friday, 9am-3pm) - plan communications accordingly

References

• Francis Family Foundation Official Website. https://francisfoundation.org/ (Accessed February 2024)
• Francis Family Foundation Annual Reports. https://francisfoundation.org/about/annual-reports/
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Francis Family Foundation Form 990s. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/431492132
• Francis Family Foundation Small Arts Grants Program. https://francisfoundation.org/apply/
• Parker B. Francis Fellowship Program Guidelines. https://francisfoundation.org/apply/eligibility-evaluation-criteria/
• GuideStar Profile - Francis Family Foundation. https://www.guidestar.org/profile/43-1492132
• Candid Foundation Directory Profile. https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=FRAN094