Giving Voice to Oral Health in Kansas: Benefits of Long-Term Commitment

Someone recently used the term philanthropy du jour, and it was not meant as a positive appellation. As a field, we increasingly see longevity as virtue whether it comes under the guise of general operating support, capacity building, or place-based or strategic grantmaking. The work of the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund in a single field – oral health – began in late 1998. My reflections attempt to capture the results of this extended $11-million initiative.