Health Equity Fund
Partnering with communities to reshape systems and promote better health for all
The Health Equity Fund supports organizations working to ensure all Missourians have a fair and just opportunity to live their healthiest lives by changing systems that create barriers to health. Formerly the Opportunity Fund, the Health Equity Fund, invests in bold, community-driven work that addresses the root causes of health inequities.
We know that health is more than what happens in a doctor’s office. It’s shaped by the places we live, the air we breathe, and the opportunities we have. Yet, for many communities, essentials like affordable housing, clean water, quality education, and good-paying jobs with benefits remain out of reach, creating obstacles to health and well-being.
That’s why we partner with organizations tackling the underlying causes of health disparities. From raising the minimum wage and securing paid leave for working people to reforming the foster system to ensure families stay together, we support organizations that go beyond treating symptoms to disrupt the systems the created these challenges in the first place.
Our partners have made a real impact by creating cross-sector collaborations, advocating for changes in policies and practices, and working with their communities to look at systems with fresh perspectives. We invite you to join us in continuing to build on that momentum and create a future where all Missourians thrive.
What the Health Equity Fund Supports
We welcome a wide range of approaches, including but not limited to those listed below. These approaches and many others contribute to meaningful outcomes that advance health equity. Additional information can be found in the FAQ.
For definitions, please visit the glossary.
Approaches
- Pilot models to create long-term change
- Field or sector-wide capacity building to engage in systemic change
- Cross-sector coalition building or strengthening
- Community organizing or mobilizing community members
- Advocacy
Outcomes
- Policies and institutional practices changed (or in process of changing)
- Resource flows (e.g., funding/budgets, expertise, data, etc.) shifted
- Coalitions, networks, and partnerships built and sustained that bring the voices of those most impacted to the table
- Community power strengthened to influence change
- Collective capacity and infrastructure for systems change work created and reinforced
What the Health Equity Fund Does Not Support
Proposals that intend to replace lapsed or lost federal funding for direct service programs.
Proposals that fall within the topic areas of our issue-based work. We have dedicated funding and strategies already addressing the topic areas listed below. If your proposal falls within one of those areas of work, we encourage you to use this contact form to connect with those teams.
Topic areas not accepted include:
- Behavioral health, mental health, harm reduction, substance use
- Contraceptive access
- Crisis response and justice system diversion
- Firearm injury and death prevention
- Food systems
- Infant and maternal health
- Medicaid expansion
Health Equity Fund projects
Clean, Safe Neighborhoods
Healthy Teeth and Gums
Additional questions?
For more information, including assessment criteria, please visit our FAQ.
