The Harry R. Kendall Hospital and Home Fund

Harry R. Kendall was a co-owner and founder of the Washington National Life Insurance Company of Evanston, Illinois. Prior to his death in 1958, a large part of his fortune was placed in trust with the provision that income be paid to the Board of Hospitals and Homes of the Methodist Church and its successor organizations and used for stipulated purposes. Over $6 million has been allocated since 1958 for worthy projects and students.

Specifically, his will states:

"I direct my said Trustees to pay, not less often than semi-annually, commencing upon the date of my death and thereafter for a period of forty years, thirty percent of the net income of the residuary trust in convenient installments unto BOARD OF HOSPITALS AND HOMES OF THE METHODIST CHURCH, a not-for-profit corporation of Illinois to be used by it for the following charitable purposes.

• "To provide hospital service for the poor of the Negro race;
• "To provide homes for needy Negro children and needy aged persons of both the white and the Negro races;
• "To provide for the training of leaders for charitable service in hospitals and homes caring for needy Negro children and aged persons of the Negro race."

Guidelines for the Selection of Harry R. Kendall Grants to Projects

• Long-term projects may receive funding for a maximum of four (4) consecutive years with appropriate monitoring. Applicants must apply annually.
• Grants may be made for building projects or renovation of buildings or program emphases.
• A significant number of persons benefitting from projects must be needy black children or needy black and white aged persons.
• The grant must enable the institution or group to continue, initiate, and develop programs that would benefit the above.
• The "no risk factor" should be de-emphasized in providing grants to worthy projects.

Proposals must be postmarked no later than June 30th of each year in order to be considered for funding during the following calendar year.

Guidelines for the Selection of Recipients of Harry R. Kendall Leadership Development Grants

• The candidate should be in the process of planning to enter the health care field or should already be a practitioner in the health care field.
• The candidate should be a U.S. citizen, preferably of African American descent.
• The candidate should show evidence of economic need.
• Positive recommendations must be given by at least three (3) references.
• The candidate should affirm his/her intention of serving needy persons upon completion of study or experience.
• Recipients may reapply annually for grants as long as their academic training continues.

Special Notes

Health & Welfare Ministries staff, directors, and their relatives are not eligible to be recipients of the grants.

Applications and references must be postmarked no later than June 30th of each year. Grants are $2,000 per recipient. The number of grants awarded is dependent upon the funds available.

Applicants for Leadership Development Grants must show proof of school enrollment. Previous grant recipients must submit official transcripts from the college or university where they are enrolled.