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 view diversity as a fundamental element of social justice and integral to our mission. Health Forward uses the term “diversity” broadly to encompass both differences in the attributes of individuals (such as race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, religion, and socioeconomic status) and of organizations (such as size, years of operation, and location within our service area). Diverse voices and viewpoints deepen our understanding of differences in health outcomes and health care delivery and strengthen our ability to fashion just solutions. As a result, Health Forward is committed to expanding cultural competence and promoting awareness, acceptance, and respect for health-related beliefs, practices, traditions, language, religions, literacy levels of individuals, and the cultural groups to which they belong.
Evaluation
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.
Inclusion
We are committed to promoting diversity and cultural competence 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
We are committed to the highest ethical standards in governance, administration, and grantmaking. Health Forward’s 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.