Although the Mountain States are home to several health legacy foundations, they aren’t as prevalent in the region as in some other places, such as the Southeast. The health conversion funders that do exist in the region fill niche health funding needs that might get overlooked by more traditional foundations, and serve as potential models for future hospital conversion endeavors.
Here are five important things to know about the Colorado Health Foundation (CHF), a health legacy funder based in Denver.
1. A health equity mission
The foundation originated when HealthONE entered into a joint venture with the Hospital Corporation of America to create CHF. The grantmaker’s mission and focus have changed over the years, but it has always been dedicated to finding ways to help Coloradoans live healthier lives.
Under its current leadership, CHF has shifted to a health equity approach, a very common move among health legacy foundations at the moment. Health equity lies at the heart of much of CHF’s current grantmaking, which seeks to advance opportunities for underserved and disadvantaged Colorado residents.
2. Four focus areas
CHF centers its giving around four specific focus areas. “Maintaining Healthy Bodies” grants support primary care and helping children get active. “Nurturing Healthy Minds” grants fund programs for adult recovery, youth resiliency and early childhood social/emotional development. “Strengthening Community Health” grants address food access, affordable housing and community solutions to local problems. “Championing Health Equity” grants provide for the capacity building and advocacy needs of health organizations.
3. Three annual opportunities
CHF offers three opportunities to apply for funding rather than just one annual cycle. The grant application deadlines are February 15, June 15 and October 15. Different funding opportunities are available for the various deadlines. Meanwhile, CHF typically accepts applications for rapid response funding related to advocacy efforts on a rolling basis.
4. Four types of funding
The foundation offers more than just program and project-related support. For example, CHF provides rapid response funding, program-related investments and sponsorships for local organizations. This is a good foundation to know for short-term advocacy initiatives, larger borrowing needs and local events in Colorado communities. This is all in addition to the main funding opportunities sitting within the four focus areas above.
5. Nonprofit sabbatical program
In addition to grants, CHF funds a nonprofit sabbatical program that accepts applications. It aims to support nonprofit leaders in Colorado so that they can strengthen the organizations they work for. CHF funds three new sabbaticals each year, which must be taken within 18 months of receiving the award. This support totals up to $95,000, which is split between sabbatical activities like professional development and travel during a three-to-four-month hiatus, interim leadership needs and staff capacity building needs.
Learn more about CHF and others that give locally in Colorado by checking out IP’s Mountain States funding guide.