Mission & Values

Commitment to Health Equity

Since its founding, the Foundation has defined health broadly to include social determinants of health and sought to invest in  nonprofit organizations working to improve health outcomes and address barriers to health equity that disproportionately impact historically marginalized populations including people of color, those who are low-income, and/or those who reside in communities with limited infrastructure and resources in Central Massachusetts. 

The Health Foundation’s values are embedded throughout its guiding principles and grantmaking strategies.   

Guiding Principles

The Health Foundation will:

• Use the term “health” in its broadest sense, incorporating the social determinants of health and drawing upon the World Health Organization’s definition: “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” 
• Be cognizant of, and responsive to, the changing health needs of the region and inequities that persist due to underlying racial, social and economic factors that influence health status 
• Combine its charitable mission with a commitment to innovation 
• Endeavor to leverage its resources as a catalyst for positive change 
• Function primarily by awarding grants and supporting related policy and advocacy efforts, and utilize other tools, such as convenings, and external communications, as appropriate

In addition, the Foundation’s unique grantmaking approach involves learning about pressing and emerging health issues from the community (as opposed to defining priority issues on its own) and then remaining engaged throughout all phases of the application process and grant period, providing technical assistance and partnership, which enables the Foundation to support organizations of varying sizes and capabilities.