Frequently Asked Questions
- How does the Northwest Health Foundation define health?
- What are the Foundation's interests and priorities?
- How can I find out about grant deadlines?
- What is the focus of the community grants program in 2008?
- Will the Foundation fund direct services?
- When can we apply for a small grant?
- How much money does the Foundation give away each year?
- What is the Foundation's average grant size?
- Is someone from your staff available to meet with grant seekers individually?
For questions not addressed here, please contact Michelle, our Communications Officer.
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How does the Northwest Health Foundation define health?
Health is more than the absence of disease. Access to quality medical care is important, but it’s only a small part of what keeps us healthy. At the Foundation, we look at health broadly: Does everyone living in our region have equal opportunity to fulfill their human potential? Is our public health system robust enough to protect us from harm and promote prevention and wellness? Are our communities structured to encourage healthy lifestyles? Do our legislative and land use policies promote or inhibit healthy choices?
What are the Foundation's interests and priorities?
After an 18-month planning process, in late 2007 the Foundation’s Board of Directors adopted a strategic plan intended to guide the Foundation’s work over the next decade. The strategic plan is built around 10-year goals that reflect what we’ve learned in our first decade about community need and where the Foundation can make the most impact.
Broadly, the Foundation’s interest areas are access to quality health care, public health, and the nursing work force. Within these interest areas, the Foundation will focus on both tried-and-true and new strategies we believe will best advance the social change that is necessary to eliminate health disparities and improve community health over the long-term.
To learn more, go to the “Interest Areas” section of our Web site. Information is posted there about each interest area, funding opportunities that fall within those interest areas, and which Foundation staff member has primary responsibility.
How can I find out about grant deadlines?
Check the “Apply for Funding” section of our Web site frequently, and subscribe to our e-newsletter. We follow best practice guidelines for electronic communication, so when you sign up you will need to reply to a confirmation e-mail generated by our system.
What is the focus of the community grants program in 2008?
The community grants program has been phased out as a result of our strategic planning process.
To achieve greater impact, over the last couple of years we have shifted to a different grantmaking strategy. We release focused requests for proposals during the year that define a specific issue, and ask organizations to demonstrate how their work advances that issue.
The best way to learn about funding opportunities at the Foundation is to check our Web site frequently and subscribe to our e-newsletter.
Will the Foundation fund direct services?
In some cases — but for the most part we are interested in projects that advance a systems approach to address the root causes of health problems and disparities. When we do fund direct services, a key intent is to strengthen the organization.
Again, we are going in this direction because we believe this approach offers the best chance to achieve meaningful, sustainable changes in community health.
When can we apply for a small grant?
The Foundation does not have a formal small grants program. However, when discretionary funds are available we will consider making small, targeted investments in organizations and projects aligned with the Foundation’s strategic interest areas.
For more information or to discuss your ideas and needs, please contact a program officer at the Foundation.
How much money does the Foundation give away each year?
In 2007 we invested about $6.5 million across our various programs. In 2008 our giving will be about the same, and the Foundation will distribute an additional $2.5 million through Partners Investing in Nursing’s Future (PIN), a national initiative with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
What is the Foundation's average grant size?
Grant amounts vary widely, from a few thousand dollars to a few hundred thousand dollars.
Is someone from your staff available to meet with grant seekers individually? If so, how do we initiate that contact?
Yes. If you have an idea that you think might interest us, or if you want to have an exploratory meeting, we invite you to send us an e-mail or pick up the phone and call. Identify a specific member of the staff, or simply call our main line and the receptionist will put you in touch with the right person.