Missouri Foundation for Health
/OVERVIEW: The Missouri Foundation for Health supports health, childhood obesity, health insurance coverage, infant mortality, and health policy in Missouri.
FUNDING AREAS: Health, childhood obesity, health insurance coverage, infant mortality, health policy
IP TAKE: This relatively new health legacy funder has quickly grown to become one of the top grantmakers in Missouri.
PROFILE: Established in 2000, the Missouri Foundation for Health (MFH) is a health legacy funder based in St. Louis, Missouri. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Missouri converted from a nonprofit to a for-profit institution to create this independent philanthropic foundation. It is the largest foundation of its kind in Missouri and one of the largest health legacy funders in the U.S. MFH aims to “improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities most in need.” It funds local efforts for health, childhood obesity, health insurance coverage, infant mortality, and health policy.
The Missouri Foundation for Health funds long-term projects primarily through three initiatives in the region. With a focus on underserved communities, it responds to community needs, pilots new ideas, contributes to improving health fields, and supports policy and advocacy in the health field. Childhood obesity grants focus on connecting schools, community groups, businesses, and parents to increase access to healthy food and encourage physical activity for kids. Expanding coverage grants target the needs of uninsured Missourians who forego preventative care and necessary medical treatments due to high costs. Infant mortality grants address the health of mothers before and during pregnancy and implement equity-focused strategies.
Grants range between about $10,000 and $1 million. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records. Grantmaking focuses on five service areas that includes 84 counties and the city of St. Louis, Missouri. Past local grantees include the Behavioral Health Response and the Jefferson County Health Department.
This foundation does not typically accept unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits on an ongoing basis. Instead, it often issues periodic requests for applications and reviews organizations for eligibility and relevant responses. Direct general questions to the staff at info@mffh.org or 314-345-5500.
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