Our values and ethics inform everything we do, from determining our policy agenda to funding grants.
Advocacy
We will advance the public health interest of uninsured and underserved individuals who live in our service area. Health Forward supports and participates in activities that inform relevant public debate and policy development, foster healthy behaviors and environments, and promote more effective systems of care for the target population.
Collaboration
We are committed to work with organizations and communities to build lasting partnerships that will strengthen a community’s ability to improve the quality and quantity of health care.
Compassion
Funds are prioritized for programs and activities that make demonstrable improvements in health and health care for medically indigent and underserved communities and populations.
Diversity and Cultural Competence
We are committed to assessment as a core element of our work and the work of our grantees. Appropriate assessment and evaluation demonstrate the need for activities/programs, indicate the effectiveness and efficiency of funded interventions, and foster accountability for the impact of Health Forward funding on individuals and communities.
Evaluation
We will advance the public health interest of uninsured and underserved individuals who live in our service area. Health Forward supports and participates in activities that inform relevant public debate and policy development, foster healthy behaviors and environments, and promote more effective systems of care for the target population.
Inclusion
We are committed to promoting diversity and cultural competency in programming, personnel and employment practices, and governance. Grant consideration will be given to all organizations that select directors, employ and manage staff and provide services regardless of (their) race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation or veteran status.
Stewardship
We are committed to exercising our fiscal, fiduciary and programmatic responsibilities to ensure funds are granted to serve the public interest.
Transparency
are committed to the highest ethical standards in governance, administration and grantmaking. The Health Forward ethics policy requires board members and staff with a financial or institutional interest in any applicant organization to disclose that interest, and remove themselves from any discussions about the applicant. Board members cannot vote on any matter for which they have such a conflict. We strive for openness and fairness in our practices by observing the Missouri Open Meetings Law, seeking guidance on grant decisions from external and disinterested experts, and providing easy access to information about our work.