Healthy people. Thriving communities.

We advance system-change solutions that lead to health equity.

Our Work
Mid-Iowa Health Foundation Logo Mark of an abstract gray tree, green tiled leaves and an abstract teal bird flying off of it

Systems shape the social and economic conditions that determine our well-being. Often, they create barriers for people to access what they need to live healthy lives and to fully contribute in our communities.

Mid-Iowa Health Foundation elevates community-informed, data-driven efforts that address the social determinants of health.

How We Work

Stories of Action

Central Iowans are leading changes in our systems and communities to support lifelong health and well-being. We are proud to partner in this work.

Bridging Gaps: The Crucial Role of Training Medical Students in Culturally Responsive Care

Des Moines University expands current educational offerings related to providing culturally and socially responsive care.

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Creating Space for Change

Advocates connect through a shared commitment to improve health outcomes.

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Centering People in Community Planning

Amal Barre's research and advocacy efforts address housing instability and the sense of belonging in the community.

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Launching the Basic Income Pilot with Community

How UpLift's collaboration with many partners led to greater impact

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Our Investments

We invest in ideas — and the people who drive them — to reimagine how our systems can create the conditions for children, families, and communities to thrive.

What We Fund

Health Initiatives

HealthConnect Fellowship

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UpLift – The Central Iowa Basic Income Pilot

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Disaster Recovery Fund

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Healthy Homes Des Moines

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Homeless Youth Demonstration Program

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Iowa Alliance for Healthy Kids

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NAMI and DMU Partnership

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The Latinx Project

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Trauma-Informed Juvenile Detention

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Trauma-Informed Supervision

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HealthConnect Blog

Insights can inspire creative approaches for improving community health.

Creating a Culture of Inclusivity

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How Community Health Workers Can Improve Heart Health

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How Medical-Legal Partnerships Can Link Systems to Improve Health Outcomes

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Creating a Culture of Sustainability in Helping Professions

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Meet Dr. Daniel Zinnel, Incoming Mid-Iowa Health Foundation Board Member

Foundation news
Aug 2, 2023
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Using Data for Systems-Level Advocacy

Advocacy
Jul 28, 2023
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7 Benefits of a Statewide System Approach to Community Health Work

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Why I Advocate for Heart Disease Preventive Strategies

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4 Ways to Center Youth in Mental Health Conversations

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Economic Burden of Health Inequities: 5 Insights to Inform Action

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Disability Rights Attorney Shares What Iowans Should Know About Medicaid

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Health Equity Work in Action: What Funders Should Know

Funder practices
Apr 5, 2023
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Basic Income: 4 Things to Know

Partnerships
Apr 4, 2023
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Prioritizing Advocacy: How a Nonprofit Created a Full-Time Role

Advocacy
Feb 1, 2023
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Meet the team leading UpLift – The Central Iowa Basic Income Pilot

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HealthConnect Fellows: Engaging authentically in systems change

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7 insights gained through a nonprofit merger

Foundation grants
Nov 17, 2022
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Six Elements to Consider with Community Conversations

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Community-Based Participatory Research: What to Know

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How student research informed the basic income project

Action planning
Sep 20, 2022
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