Investing in the Mental Health and Well-Being of Jackson County Kids

Empowering Youth Through Core Funding

Core Funding is at the heart of our mission to make transformative investments in the mental health and emotional well-being of children in Jackson County. It supports organizations dedicated to improving the lives of children and families, enabling them to provide essential services that strengthen protective factors, mental health and social-emotional well-being. This funding is central to creating lasting impact, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Organizations can access Core Funding through two different funding cycles to best meet the needs of the organization. For traditional non-profit organizations, calendar year funding (January 1 – December 31) is the intended option to provide support. For schools and school-based/school-adjacent services, academic year funding (July 1 – June 30) is available. Both cycles follow a clear and structured process for requesting and awarding funds, with flexibility to suit different program needs. The application process has been streamlined to allow for more equitable access, with applicants now engaging in in-person presentations rather than submitting lengthy applications. This change fosters stronger relationships between the CSF and funded partners and levels the playing field for all organizations.

Who We Fund

What We Fund

We fund 10 service areas as outlined in state statute that promote mental health and social-emotional well-being of Jackson County kids.

Crisis Intervention

In response to acute mental health crises, these services focus on rapidly restoring a child’s baseline functioning.

Home & Community Based Intervention

These important services allow children and youth to access behavioral health interventions in their homes and communities.

Individual, Group and Family Counseling

Supportive services promote the wellbeing of children and families with psychological evaluations, mental health screenings, and therapy.

Outpatient Psychiatric Treatment

Children receive comprehensive mental health care services from evaluation and diagnosis to treatment and medication management.

Outpatient Substance Use Treatment

Youth and families receive therapeutic services including assessments, early intervention, education, counseling, therapy and aftercare.

Prevention

Kids develop coping skills, strengthen relationships, and increase community engagement to decrease their risk of substance use and mental health issues.

Respite Care

Families with kids get access to temporary emergency shelter during crises or periods of stress in order to safely preserve the family unit.

Services to Teen Parents

Young parents develop positive parenting skills, receive counseling and behavioral health, and get resources and referrals for more support.

Temporary Shelter

Youth and kids experiencing abuse, neglect, homelessness, or other housing barriers can live in a safe, stable environment for up to 30 days.

Transitional Living

Counseling and supportive services are an integral part of programs that help youth transition from homelessness to safe living arrangements.

Cultivation: Nurturing Growth for Future Core Partners

Cultivation funding supports organizations that are in the early stages of program growth, with the goal of preparing them for eventual Core Funding. Cultivation Funding aligns with the same 10 service areas as Core Funding, and provides resources to fully develop programming while also strengthening organizational capacity as a precursor to future success. Cultivation Funding recipients are chosen through requests for Core Funding.

Explore our current Cultivation partners.

Coming Soon

Core Funding Impact and Outcomes

Core Funding is focused on achieving tangible, long-lasting outcomes that contribute to the well-being and success of children and families. Our investments strengthen youth mental health, reducing maladaptive symptoms and behaviors. They also foster protective factors to decrease incidents of abuse and neglect. We prioritize increasing skills and knowledge around personal safety and social-emotional well-being, leading to safer and healthier lives. Outcomes are key drivers in our funding decisions, ensuring meaningful change within the community.

Learn how Core Funding can help you achieve these critical outcomes.
How to Apply

Our Community Impact Framework

We make funding decisions based on key areas of impact and specific activities and outcomes. This framework is designed to support programs focused on prevention and resilience to prepare children for future success by preventing adverse childhood experiences and/or assisting children in healing from past traumas.

Take a closer look at what guides our funding decisions.

See the Framework

About Our Core Funding Partners

Comprehensive community health models at the heart of Nurture KC’s programs

Nurture KC, a local organization dedicated exclusively to addressing infant and maternal health issues, has been steadfastly serving the Kansas City metro area since its inception in 2000.

Fostering Resilient Futures Through Trauma-Informed School Programs

Synergy Services works toward children’s mental health through trauma-informed programs, curriculum, and counseling in Jackson County schools.

CSF and Mother’s Refuge Redefine Teen Maternity Care for Children’s Well-being

CSF and Mother’s Refuge partner to redefine maternity care for teen mothers and pioneer a transitional living program to ensure the well-being of Jackson County’s youngest citizens.

Want to learn more about the incredible organizations we support? Visit our blog to see how organizations are making a difference in the lives of children and families.
Explore our blog

Want to stay up-to-date on our funding and partners’ work?

Every month, we keep our partners, schools, parents, and community members and leaders informed about the important, innovative ways we’re working for Jackson County kids. Sign up to receive updates directly to your inbox.

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