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Help 15 Future Physicians Cross the Finish Line
Every dollar donated goes directly to tuition and cost-of-living support for pre-doctoral fellows who have lost their federal financial aid.
Donate
Choose a giving level — every contribution matters.
$50
Covers one week of a fellow's groceries
$250
Covers a required rotation fee
$1,000
Covers one month of a fellow's health insurance
$5,000
Covers a month of tuition installment for one Anatomy Fellow
$10,000
Covers a month of full cost-of-attendance for one fellow
Custom
Every contribution matters
All donations are processed through Kansas City University (EIN: 44-0545280), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations may be tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Funds are administered independently by KCU under the Pay it Forward Fellows Foundation designated fund.
Other Ways to Help
Spread the Word
Are you a physician, medical educator, or osteopathic medicine supporter? Reach out to colleagues, alumni groups, and professional networks.
Physician & Alumni Giving
If you trained at an osteopathic medical school or work in medical education, you know what these fellows contribute. A gift from you sends a powerful message about the value of teaching in medicine.
Faculty & Institutional Champions
If you are a faculty member or institutional leader willing to support this initiative publicly, please contact us. Letters of support, public statements, and personal advocacy make a real difference.
About the Pay It Forward Fellows Foundation
The Pay it Forward Fellows Foundation was established in May 2026 by pre-doctoral Anatomy and OMM fellows at Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine in direct response to the sudden and unforeseen loss of federal financial aid.
Phase 1 — Emergency Relief (2026–2027)
In its initial phase, the Foundation functions as an emergency support mechanism, providing direct tuition and cost-of-living assistance to the 15 identified fellows for the 2026–2027 academic year. It operates under the fiscal sponsorship of Kansas City University (501(c)(3), EIN: 44-0545280).
Phase 2 — Independent Foundation (2027–2028)
Following the graduation of the current cohort — anticipated in 2027 — the Foundation will transition to an independently governed, publicly charitable scholarship organization: an independent board of directors, formal bylaws, broadened eligibility to pre-doctoral fellows at any COCA-accredited osteopathic medical institution nationally, and independent 501(c)(3) status.
The 15 fellows who founded this initiative — upon completing residency training — represent an engaged, motivated cohort of future alumni donors with direct personal experience of the problem this Foundation solves. The goal is that no future pre-doctoral fellow at any osteopathic medical school will face this situation alone.
Contact
Initiative Coordinator
Miranda Kennedy
(602) 882-4306
Fiscal Sponsor
Kansas City University
EIN: 44-0545280