About REACH
about reach
The REACH Healthcare Foundation is a charitable foundation dedicated to improving health coverage and access to quality, affordable health care for uninsured and medically underserved people. The foundation maintains a regional focus, with a six-county service area that encompasses Allen, Johnson and Wyandotte counties in Kansas, and Cass, Jackson and Lafayette counties in Missouri.
Vision
All people in our communities achieve equitable health outcomes.
Mission
Advance health equity through coverage and care for underserved people in our region.
Our Commitment to Racial Equity
Five years ago, the REACH Healthcare Foundation started an examination of its own investments and partnerships through the lens of racial equity—asking questions both internally and externally about the impact of REACH’s grantmaking practices on nonprofit leaders and Black-led, Black-serving organizations. The information gleaned from these conversations was the spark that ultimately created our Centering Black Voices initiative which sought to increase our investment and partnership with the Black community. Currently, we embrace our responsibility to reparative health philanthropy, as stated in our commitment letter here.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES & CORE VALUES
Core Tenet
Quality healthcare and coverage is a human right.
Catalyst
Serve as a leader and community catalyst for change.
Inclusive
Demonstrate inclusiveness, respect and appreciation for the backgrounds, differences and points of view of others.
Collaborative
Promote open dialogue and collaboration to share knowledge and create strategic alliances.
Foster Change
Foster an environment of positive change through innovation, creativity and continuous improvement.
Act Ethically
Act ethically, with integrity, accountability and attention to excellence.
Fund Change
Fund change to create healthier communities and an equitable system of care for all.
Maximize Impact
Prioritize allocation of resources to maximize impact on health outcomes.
History
The REACH Healthcare Foundation was established in 2003 with proceeds from the sale of Health Midwest, a regional nonprofit healthcare organization purchased by Hospital Corporation of America. The first board of directors was appointed in 2003, marking the beginnings of the organization and its commitment to improving health care access and quality. The foundation was approved by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization in May 2004, and the following month received nearly $100 million in initial assets. The foundation received subsequent contributions.
Historically, REACH has focused its community investments in areas including primary medical care, mental health, oral health, and health policy and advocacy. Our current funding priorities are outlined within a community investment framework, which describes the foundation’s three outcomes areas: Bridge the Coverage Divide, Close the Health Equity Gap and Strengthen the Safety Net. Each outcome area aligns with the foundation’s commitment to achieving equitable health outcomes throughout our six-county service area. These outcome areas, and the strategies within each, guide our work, partnerships and where we invest.
