Health Forward Commits to $26.5 Million in Grants in 2009 Despite Decrease in Assets Over Past Year

KANSAS CITY, MO – The Health Forward Foundation will increase the amount of grants to be awarded in 2009 by $1.5 million, despite a very significant decrease in assets over the past year.

The Health Forward Board of Directors voted unanimously at its November board meeting to honor its commitment of gifting 5% of its value (based on eight-rolling quarters) which will total $26.5 million in grants in 2009.

“The current economic downfall has caused a sharp loss in Health Forward’s investment portfolio. Yet while these economic conditions are bad for foundations, they are worse for those we fund and the people they serve,” said Mary Lou Jaramillo, Chair of the Health Forward Board of Directors.

“The high unemployment rate, decrease in health benefits and other economic pressures that families are facing creates a dramatic increase in the need for services. During these hard times, Health Forward remains committed to providing resources to help the uninsured and underserved.”

Foundations typically base their giving on assets from previous years. Health Forward determines its giving amount based on the average value of its assets from the past eight quarters. Therefore, while the amount of gifting increases for 2009, this formula may result in a lower total in 2010 if the market has an extended downturn.

The 2009 Health Forward Grant Deadlines are:

Healthy Lifestyles Grants
Letter of Intent Deadline, February 11
Full Proposal Deadline, March 11
Health Forward Board Review/Approval, May 21

Mental Health Grants
Letter of Intent Deadline, March 25
Full Proposal Deadline, April 29
Health Forward Board Review/Approval, July 23

Safety Net Grants
Letter of Intent Deadline, August 5
Full Proposal Deadline, September 2
Health Forward Board Review/Approval, November 19

Applicant Defined Grants
January 21
February 18
March 18
April 22
May 20
June 17
July 22
August 19
September 23
October 21

Since it began grantmaking in 2005, Health Forward has awarded $70 million to agencies addressing health needs in the community.