The focus on making health education broadly accessible, effective, and sustainable is often overlooked in the current health insurance debate. The Argosy Foundation, a family foundation established in 1997, believes that magnifying the effectiveness of the associations focused on this work is ultimately critical to improving children and adults' health-related choices.
With its headquarters and staff located in Milwaukee since 2000, the National Association of Health Education Centers (NAHEC) is dedicated to supporting and promoting a national network of organizations that provide health education programs. NAHEC works to enable collaboration and information-sharing between members, inform related policy decisions, and improve the quality of programs delivered. Through this network, over 3.7 million children and adults receive health education that empowers them to actively participate in creating healthier communities.
The Argosy Foundation has supported NAHEC's efforts to integrate the important work of NAHEC with other similar organizations, thus multiplying the organizations' efficacy and cost-effectiveness.
"The Foundation, particularly in this economic environment, has encouraged leaders of nonprofits - both staff and board members - to be proactive and adaptive. This is the approach we've pursued with NAHEC," explains Chris Abele, Argosy Foundation President & CEO, who has served on NAHEC's board since 2000.
In July 2008, the Argosy Foundation provided a $125,000 grant to support a plan and budget for NAHEC's long term sustainability. This grant enabled NAHEC to search for partners and discuss how to move forward and think bigger.
In fact, NAHEC is currently in the process of negotiating a merger with the American School Health Association (ASHA) which will expand the reach of both organizations.
"Beyond several grants awarded over past eight years for general operating support, organizational evaluation, and capacity building, the Foundation's role has been critical in helping to identify other organizations involved in serving a similar mission," said David Midland, NAHEC's Executive Director.
The grant, in conjunction with the Foundation's deep engagement with the organization, highlights the ability of Foundation resources, both monetary and non-monetary, to enable organizations to reassess how they are achieving their missions.
