The success of our community begins with our kids.
Too often, the policies and systems our society creates make it difficult for children and families to thrive. Without the building blocks for healthy development, our children will struggle throughout their lives.
By working collaboratively to rethink our systems and targeting our attention and resources on underinvested areas, we can create equitable opportunities for lifelong health and well-being.
Our Approach
Mid-Iowa Health Foundation strives to cultivate opportunities that are driven by the needs of those most impacted. We bring diverse stakeholders together to address complex challenges for health. We value working alongside our grantees to respond to emerging needs, share key learnings, elevate their successes, and inform future investments.
How We WorkPowerful Stories
Central Iowans are leading long-lasting changes in our systems and community so that all children can thrive. We are proud to partner in this work.
Champions for Change: A Collective Commitment to Children's Health
Outcomes from Mid-Iowa Health Foundation's HealthConnect Fellowship, October 2019-June 2021
Elevating the Latinx Community
How nonprofit leaders brought attention to the Latinx community and built new systems of support during the pandemic
Central Iowa youth drive change for better health
uVoice high school students commit to learning about and addressing issues, including vaping and racial justice, in central Iowa.
The Dream Cube: Art for Social Impact
The Dream Cube, a monolithic structure constructed of pillows piled 8-feet high, popped up in downtown Des Moines late last fall. The provocative piece sparked conversations about the potential of our youth—if they have a safe place to dream.
How Youth Are Driving Community Efforts to End Homelessness
dsm Magazine features a unique collaboration that is engaging youth who’ve experienced homelessness in identifying new solutions to address this issue in central Iowa.
Protecting Those Who Protect Our Kids
Iowa ACEs 360 shares this story about how supervisors in the Polk County Dept. of Human Services’ Child Welfare Division are addressing trauma in their workforce.
A New Approach to Supporting Youth in Juvenile Detention
Teenagers in jumpsuits lying on yoga mats, their eyes closed, their bodies still. This is the image Megan Hoxhalli describes as remarkable for juvenile detention, a place where youth arrive shaken, dysregulated, and scared about their future.
Our Investments
We invest in ideas—and the people who drive them—to reimagine how our systems can surround children and youth with nurturing relationships, safe and stable environments, and supportive communities.
Grant PrioritiesRecent Grants
HealthConnect Blog
Promoting the power of connections to inspire creative approaches for improving children’s health.
4 Issues Impacting Children’s Health During the Pandemic
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Preparing yourself to center the voices of those impacted by issues
Vision vs. Tactics: How we can achieve the change we want to see
System-change achievements advocates are making for central Iowa’s kids
What you should know about homelessness in central Iowa during the pandemic
5 barriers pregnant women in poverty face in getting the care they need
What I've learned about system-change work during this time of crisis
We have the resources to build a better food system here in Iowa
