The Kansas Masons have a long history of "Service to All Mankind." For more than 150 years, the Masons of Kansas have focused on making a difference in the lives of other people. In 1966, the Kansas Masonic Foundation (KMF) was created as an avenue through which Masons, their family and friends could channel gifts to assist the foundation in charitable programs in the areas of science and education.

The Kansas Masonic Foundation's partnership in the fight against cancer with the University of Kansas Medical Center started in 1974 and has continued annually with larger grant commitments each year. By 2003, more than $5 million in support from KMF had been allocated to cancer treatment and research programs at The University of Kansas Cancer Center. With the foundation's pledge to raise an additional $15 million, bringing their total support to over $20 million dollars, the medical center honored the commitment of the Kansas Masons by naming the research arm of the cancer center the Kansas Masonic Cancer Research Institute (KMCRI).

The launching of The Partnership for Life Campaign was a pivotal moment in the history of the Kansas Masonic Foundation. The $15 million campaign, completed in 2008, has been instrumental in assisting The University of Kansas Cancer Center in its objective of achieving National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center. Fundraising support from the Kansas Masonic Campaign continues beyond the campaign to benefit KMCRI and its programs such as patient navigation through the Midwest Cancer Alliance.

The partnership between the Kansas Masonic Foundation and KU Endowment to support ongoing collaborative fundraising, coupled with the successful investment of KMF's assets, ensures a firmly fixed and continually growing base of support for cancer research, education and treatment for Kansans and the surrounding region.