Episcopal Health Foundation

Background

The Episcopal Health Foundation (EHF), established in 2013 by the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, is a Houston-based nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health outcomes across Texas. EHF's mission is to advance the Kingdom of God with a specific focus on human health and well-being through grants, research, and initiatives. The foundation emphasizes addressing non-medical drivers of health—factors outside the traditional healthcare system that significantly influence overall health and well-being. By focusing on these determinants, EHF aims to create healthier communities, particularly for those facing the most obstacles to health.

Key Strategic Focus

EHF's strategic framework for 2024–2030 centers on three primary action areas:

1. Accessible Health and Healthcare Services: Enhancing the availability and quality of comprehensive health services, including preventive care, reproductive health, and early childhood development programs.

2. Healthy Communities: Investing in community-based initiatives that address social determinants of health, such as access to healthy foods, safe environments, and economic opportunities.

3. Health-Promoting Policies: Advocating for policies at all levels that support health equity and address systemic barriers to health.

Within these action areas, EHF prioritizes three key issues: food and nutrition security, maternal health, and diabetes prevention. By focusing on these priorities, the foundation seeks to initiate a ripple effect of improved health outcomes throughout Texas.

Financials and Funding

As of the fiscal year ending December 2023, EHF reported:

Total Revenue: $29.3 million

Total Expenses: $56 million

Net Assets: $1.17 billion

In September 2022, EHF received a $20 million unrestricted donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. This significant contribution is intended to enhance the foundation's grantmaking, research, and community engagement efforts.

Pipeline Development

EHF's initiatives are designed to address critical health issues in Texas through various programs and partnerships:

Texas Accountable Communities for Health Initiative (TACHI): Launched in 2020, TACHI brings together diverse stakeholders to improve health equity by addressing non-medical drivers of health. In January 2024, EHF, in collaboration with St. David’s Foundation, announced $4.75 million in joint funding to support TACHI's progress at six community sites across the state.

Diabetes Prevention: EHF conducted a statewide survey highlighting the significant impact of type-2 diabetes on Texas families, prompting a call to action for prevention efforts.

Maternal Health: The foundation focuses on improving maternal health outcomes by supporting initiatives that provide comprehensive care and address systemic barriers affecting mothers and infants.

Technological Platform and Innovation

EHF leverages data-driven research and innovative methodologies to inform its strategies and initiatives:

Research and Data Analysis: The foundation conducts extensive research to uncover insights about health policies and systems in Texas, providing effective solutions to deliver better health outcomes.

Community Engagement Tools: EHF utilizes various platforms to engage with communities, disseminate information, and gather feedback to tailor its programs effectively.

Leadership Team

EHF's leadership comprises experienced professionals dedicated to advancing the foundation's mission:

Dr. Ann Barnes: President & CEO

Shao-Chee Sim: Vice President of Research

Jo Z. Carcedo: Vice President of Grants

These leaders bring a wealth of experience in healthcare, research, and philanthropy, guiding EHF's strategic direction and operations.

Leadership Changes

In September 2022, Dr. Ann Barnes succeeded Elena Marks as President & CEO of EHF. Dr. Barnes brings extensive experience in healthcare leadership and a commitment to addressing health disparities.

Competitor Profile

EHF operates within a landscape of health-focused foundations and organizations in Texas:

St. David’s Foundation: A key collaborator with EHF, focusing on health initiatives in Central Texas. The foundation partners with EHF on projects like TACHI to improve health equity.

Hogg Foundation for Mental Health: Focuses on mental health initiatives across Texas, addressing systemic issues and promoting well-being.

Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute: Provides high-quality, data-driven policy recommendations to improve mental health services in Texas.

These organizations, along with EHF, contribute to a collaborative environment aimed at addressing health disparities and improving health outcomes in Texas.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

EHF actively engages in partnerships to amplify its impact:

St. David’s Foundation: Collaborated with EHF to provide $4.75 million in funding for TACHI, supporting community-based health initiatives across Texas.

Community-Based Organizations: EHF partners with various local organizations to implement programs addressing social determinants of health, such as food security and maternal health.

Operational Insights

EHF's strategic approach focuses on:

Addressing Non-Medical Drivers of Health: By focusing on social determinants, EHF aims to create sustainable health improvements beyond traditional healthcare services.