That all residents of our communities lead full, healthy, and happy lives and enjoy equal life expectancy.
We understand that systemic conditions such as implicit bias and institutional/structural racism impede access and opportunities that improve well-being and a sustainable quality of life. We intend to use our platform and resources to create change, forge partnerships, and share learning through a focused and visible commitment to address these disparities and achieve health equity.
We will:
All organizations must be able to demonstrate that the proposed programs/services align with at least one of the categories below:
Click on each category to learn more.
ADVOCATE
for health-related policies and systems change
We know that the most effective ways to influence health are by addressing the root causes of inequalities. HCF works to impact existing structures and policies to create more opportunities for communities to have a voice at the table where decisions are made. Some of our investment strategies include (but are not limited to):
AUGMENT
knowledge through capacity building
For this grantmaking cycle, HCF seeks to invest in efforts that contribute to community-driven and/or community-specific research, data collection, and analysis. Such efforts should investigate, disseminate, and otherwise contribute to field of local health. We will consider efforts that:
ADDRESS
social determinants of health
HCF understands that overall health is deeply influenced by where we live, learn, work, and play. Aspects of everyday life such as housing, jobs, education, transportation, and outdoor space can influence health outcomes. Investment efforts in the social determinants of health include:
ACCESS
to quality health care
HCF recognizes that high quality, comprehensive health care services are often out of reach for residents in our region. Common barriers to timely care can include high costs, inadequate or no insurance coverage, lack of available services, long wait times, and lack of culturally competent care. Access efforts can include:
LEGACY
We fund a geographic region defined by the service area of MacNeal hospital, from which we received our endowment in 2000.
HEALTH EQUITY
To achieve health equity, we allocate the majority of funds to zip codes that rank lowest in our social determinants of health study.
For more information about our Legacy & Equity Zone zip codes, please refer to the HCF Strategic Plan.
HCF Funding Area
We will allocate the majority of our funds to general operating support. We want to help grantee partners fulfill their missions and be effective in delivering critical programs and services that address the health needs of our communities.
Additionally, and by invitation, HCF will fund strategic initiatives that explore or expand new opportunities and/or address crises or emergencies requiring immediate, targeted resources.
HCF supports learning communities, trainings, conferences and other programs aimed at strengthening the nonprofit sector and our partners who help achieve our mission within our region.