HealthConnect Grants support Mid-Iowa Health Foundation’s commitment to illuminate and address systemic issues that impact children's health. We seek to fund system-level strategies focused on social determinants of health, so that Greater Des Moines children and families have equitable opportunities to thrive. Scroll down to learn more about our grant priorities.
Conversations with our community and analysis of research identified these critical components for healthy development that we, as a community, must work to provide for all children. We want to hear ideas that will improve the well-being of children and families by cultivating opportunities in these areas:
Children need attachment with parents and caregivers within healthy, thriving families. Examples of areas grant proposals could address include:
Children need positive relationships with peers and adults in the community and equitable places to live, learn, and play. Examples of areas grant proposals could address include:
Children and families need access to quality care and support and to know that they matter to others and their community. Examples of areas grant proposals could address include:
Systems-level solutions, driven by those most impacted by issues and that lead to equity, are needed to improve the health and well-being our community's kids. Grant proposals should consider opportunities to CONNECT in these ways:
The voices and expertise of those directly affected
Decisions that impact their well-being and dignity
Initiatives driven by the community and those most impacted by challenges
Existing assets and resources
Data and research
Meaningful action
System-focused policies and practices
Collaborative and equitable approaches implemented with cultural humility
Strategies
Knowledge that children live in families and families live in communities
Decision makers
Greater understanding of root causes and solutions
