Setting the agenda for improved community health
The Health Foundation often sets the agenda for Greater Indianapolis on important health-related issues, particularly those that influence the health and wellbeing of youth, the next generation of leaders for our community.
Click on any of the links below for more information about our Funding Priorities.
HIV/AIDS
In the early 1990s, The Health Foundation convened a group of HIV/AIDS service providers, medical professionals, state officials and funders to discuss the HIV/AIDS problem in greater Indianapolis and new collaborations that could help solve it.
Those meetings resulted in the establishment of the Indiana AIDS Fund in 1994 to serve agencies throughout the Hoosier state. The Indiana AIDS Fund is jointly convened by The Health Foundation of Greater Indianapolis and the Indiana State Department of Health. In 1995 the Indiana AIDS Fund became a community partner to the National AIDS Fund, a national organization that provides funds to local AIDS organizations. The Indiana AIDS Fund awards nearly $500,000 annually to agencies across the state.
Childhood Obesity
In 2001, The Health Foundation gathered more than 70 health and wellness organizations to discuss the childhood obesity epidemic, its impact on Central Indiana youth and what resources were still needed. This advisory group developed a three-pronged communications strategy to support existing programs and wellness organizations that included advertising, grassroots partnerships and earned media relations.
The resulting FitCity campaign was launched in 2005 through a collaboration between The Health Foundation and the United Way of Central Indiana, Marion County Health Department and Connect2Help 2-1-1. Learning Well, Inc., began managing the program in 2008, and assists in delivering the messages of physical activity and nutrition through its school-based health clinics.
School-based Health Clinics
Recognizing the fragmented nature of school-based health, The Health Foundation brought together the United Way of Central Indiana, local hospitals and several school districts to explore collaborative models that would accelerate the expansion of school-based health services. After funding the initial research and planning, The Health Foundation provided a grant in August 2000 to launch the program.
Today, with the support of 32 diverse partner organizations, Learning Well operates nearly 80 clinics in Marion County, providing healthcare at no cost to students, parents or schools, many of whom otherwise wouldn't have access to quality health care.
Discretionary Grants
Due to the size and scope of The Health Foundation's grants, many small requests or start-up organizations do not qualify for funding. That's why each of The Health Foundation board members also can provide a discretionary grant of $5,000 or less for a health-related need in the community that may not otherwise fit into a funding priority.
If appropriate, board members may be contacted directly. Otherwise, please send a letter of request that details your health-related need, your program and measurements for success to The Health Foundation of Greater Indianapolis.
