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Health Forward is dedicated to supporting work that builds health and wealth for all.
A desire for change, for racial and economic equity, and for healthier communities lies at the core of every effort we undertake.
We advocate for the health of people that make communities thrive. Our efforts focus on whole-person care — from physical and behavioral to oral health and social services. And we support innovative ideas that make our health care system more inclusive.
Powerful communities are healthy communities. We work to adjust the balance of power by encouraging community members to participate in democracy, amplifying community movements, and supporting community leaders and advocates.
The places we live impact how healthy we are. Our approach to improving where we live focuses on two influential social factors: housing and digital access.
How healthy we are is strongly influenced by our society’s systems, policies, and stories.
To advance racial equity and economic inclusion, Health Forward is partnering with local governments and funders to center equity and race in all policies, systems, and decisions. We are reshaping the way people understand and talk about racial, economic, and health equity. And we are aligning our invested resources in a way that advances our purpose and has a positive impact on the people and communities we serve.
The stories we elevate are as diverse as the communities we serve. Discover some of the ways the Kansas City region is working toward a future of health equity.
We are deeply grieved that the budget reconciliation bill — referred to by its proponents as the “Big Beautiful Bill” — has now become law. This budget, narrowly adopted by Congress and signed by President Trump on Independence Day, ignores the very real struggles and hopes of most Americans. The simple hope we all share — to be healthy, to have our stomachs full, and to have our most basic needs met.
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We are excited to announce an expansion of its commitment to civic engagement and advocacy with more than $6 million in funding awarded to 50 nonprofit organizations. This funding builds upon a previous round of support and reflects our deepening investment in organizations that are advancing democracy and amplifying community voice.
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Summer’s here, and that means longer days, slower vibes, and hopefully a little extra room to breathe. Around here at Health Forward Foundation, we’ve been swapping book ideas and trading tips on how we’re keeping it together this season. We pulled together a list of reads that have moved us, challenged us, or simply stuck with us over time — all worth adding to your list.
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We are proud to announce $1.3 million in funding to 13 community-based organizations working to increase access to healthy, affordable housing and homeownership in the Kansas City region. This investment represents another major step in Health Forward’s comprehensive strategy to transform housing systems and promote health equity through long-term stability and economic opportunity.
Communities are healthier when people are engaged in decision-making about their health. That is why efforts to defund NPR and PBS public media stations are misguided and dangerous to the health of our communities. As a proud supporter of public media for the past 20 years, we urge you to reach out to your Senators and ask them to reject efforts to defund NPR and PBS.
Legislative sessions in Kansas and Missouri have concluded. While we fought for many of the outcomes to be different than they ended up, we’re grateful for the wins, the lessons, and for the solidarity and partnership of allies and organizations in both states. We remain steadfast in our advocacy and will remain present during the legislative offseason when we’ll be connecting with policy partners, policymakers, and others to keep moving our agendas in Kansas and Missouri forward.
We are pleased to announce $515,000 in funding for 17 nonprofit organizations committed to advancing digital access, skills, and equity throughout its six-county service area. These community-based organizations have established relationships and experience with the people they serve to increase reliable internet access, provide digital devices, and develop digital skills.
In a time of unprecedented action to dismantle policies and practices that protect the well-being of all Americans, where chaos is the principal strategy to overthrow the will of, and care for, the American people, Health Forward Foundation remains rooted in what is legally and morally right.
Season’s Greetings! As the year comes to a close, I continue my annual Health Forward tradition of sharing Sankofa reflections on the journey we’ve traveled.
No matter what is most frequently said of immigration, the truth is that new Americans bring a wealth of skills, experiences, and perspectives that significantly benefit our communities. We want to shed light onto the positive contributions immigrants make to our economies and workplaces on both sides of the state line.
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Statement
Funding Announcement
