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We are on a collaborative journey to dismantle persistent health inequities in the Inland NW by supporting community power building and grassroots advocacy.

Our 10-Year Strategic Direction

Empire Health Foundation is committed to reimagining our role alongside community. Our 10-Year Strategic Direction for 2025-2034, adopted by the EHF Board in May 2024, represents the culmination of a multi-year process of listening to and learning from community. We hope that you see your work and our future partnership reflected in this strategic direction.

Centering Communities and Their Solutions

The people and communities in our region who are most impacted by inequities and racial injustice have the solutions and expertise for solving the most pressing issues they face. We’re committed to advancing their ideas, solutions and dreams for transformational change.

Building Community Power

We believe the communities most impacted by inequities and racial injustice must have access to the right power and resources to act on the solutions they alone hold. As a funder and strategic partner, we’re committed to supporting communities in making this a reality.

Accelerating Racial, Social and Economic Justice

Our funding prioritizes the leaders and community organizations working to address health inequities and accelerate racial, social and economic justice in the Inland Northwest.

Investing in Community

We have been on a journey to deepen our relationships across communities and intentionally shift our grant making to address health inequities and racial injustice in the Inland Northwest. In 2023, EHF disbursed:

million in grants

grantees

EHF grants invested in BIPOC organizations & communities

Waters Meet to Open Tiny Home Village

This pilot project responds to a continued community need and represents an important opportunity to improve pathways to permanent housing.

Empire Health Foundation is now Waters Meet Foundation

We’re proud to share that Empire Health Foundation is now Waters Meet Foundation, and our 501(c)(4), formerly known as Empire Health Community Advocacy Fund, is now Waters Meet Action Fund.

Announcing the cohort members for the Building Connections Initiative.

Empire Health Foundation and Empire Health Community Advocacy Fund are delighted to announce the twenty grassroots organizations selected as cohort members for the Building Connections Initiative.

President's Letter: Community power is essential to community health

Now, as ever, we will stand together in seeking justice for all neighbors.

Announcement: Selections Have Been Made for the Building Connections Initiative

Selections have been made for the Building Connections Initiative.

Press Release: New Scattered Sites to Open

"We are thankful for the essential work our partners do every day to build a stronger community."

Press Release: Medical Respite Facility to Open Next Week

New scattered site location at Westminster United Church of Christ will serve unhoused community members in need of medical care and supportive services.

Building Connections Applications Closed

Thank you to all our community partners who participated in the application process.

Building Connections Initiative: The why to our application questions

As the eligibility phase of the Building Connections Initiative comes to a close, we wanted to give our partners more information on what we're looking for in the full application.

President's Letter: We will support community protection and be responsive to your needs

Through these challenging times, we know that the love and connections we share will continue to build community resilience in our region.

Starting with survivors, Mujeres in Action eliminates barriers across the community

Executive Director Ana Trusty shares MiA’s ongoing projects and community-wide impact.

Building Connections Initiative: Putting your feedback into action

We wanted to share how we’re incorporating this feedback to honor the time community members spent engaging with us in the pre-launch phase of this initiative.

Our vision for the Building Connections Initiative

1. Give organizations multi-year general operating support.
2. Work in partnership to build the resources that will lead to a healthier, more sustainable nonprofit ecosystem in the region.

Technical Assistance Grants Announced

These grants will support technical assistance needs of partner organizations including staff training opportunities, grant writing assistance, and business development planning.

The Spokane tribal food sovereignty demonstration site fosters a growing connection

Since the beginning of the project 4 years ago, x̣x̣súl̓eʔxʷ has grown as a demonstration garden, Tribal Food Sovereignty site, and a place for the community to gather and connect…

EVENT: September 18 community knowledge exchange

Join local organizers and advocates to share knowledge and strategize together to advance health equity in eastern Washington.

TA Grant Opportunity Opens July 15

We’re excited to announce the upcoming launch of our 2024 Technical Assistance Grant Program on July 15.

Cannon Street Center to Aid in Crisis Response

With our partners Revive Counseling Spokane, Empire Health Foundation is operating the center to move people into better housing and treatment options.

Advancing healthcare access in rural and tribal communities

After a decade, the health coaching and medication management programs are transitioning from EHF to community-led programs.

heritagemonth24 closing reception letter

ACL Spokane reclaims history to shape a better future

By activating distinct community voices, Asians for Collective Liberation in Spokane is creating a space for people to put their energy towards building a more vibrant and loving future.

On the road to impact investing

This winter, our board adopted an impact investment strategy that will put more money into community and prioritize mission aligned investments.

The Black Lens is back

New publisher Natasha Hill leads the return of the Inland Northwest’s only Black-led newspaper.

Community power building through storytelling

We're working alongside community leaders to grow organizing and advocacy skills in historically under-resourced communities in eastern Washington.

President's Letter to Community

Zeke Smith reflects on our organizational journey to co-create a healthier, more just future for our region.

Listening deeply, taking action

Working with our partner Roanhorse Consulting, EHF gathered community feedback to guide our work going forward.

Working Together, Growing Together