Since our last report to the community, the Greater St. Louis Health Foundation (GHF) has worked to find and fund projects to improve the health of individuals, and to reduce the cost of delivering health care services. You will see some of the projects that we have funded described later on in this Report. First, we've changed our name. We have become Greater St. Louis Health Foundation - still “GHF” for short. Along with our name change, you will note that we have a new address and telephone number, plus a new web page.

Programmatically, the Foundation has adopted an experiment designed to involve itself in the planning, development, and implementation of worthwhile new projects. Through this program, board members of the Foundation utilize their professional expertise to assist charitable organizations in our community to develop projects that are relevant to the goal of the Foundation, “to promote health and prevent illness in the Greater St. Louis area through support and financial aid to not-for-profit organizations.”

In 2003 two such projects were funded: One award was given to Independence Center to implement a total wellness environment in their various centers and residences, and another award went to Children’s Hospital of St. Louis to develop Critical Care Pathways, based on “best practices” developed at Pediatric Hospitals throughout the world. Both projects are proving to be quite successful, and this warrants the continuation of this worthwhile experimental program. If your organization is interested in participating in a project of this kind, please contact our foundation’s Secretary.

As GHF approaches its 20th anniversary, we are proud to acknowledge that we have given away over 3.4 million dollars to community organizations. This money has provided critical clinical care services that might not have otherwise been available to many of our fellow citizens. Our funding has also supported research into the causes of, and better treatment for, diseases such as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), Diabetes and Asthma, and our funding has enabled community organizations to make educational material and programs available to diverse demographic groups. At the same time, I am pleased to announce that the Foundation has been a good steward of its financial assets. Our balance sheet shows that the Foundation has remained on sound financial footing throughout recent turbulent times.

Marvin Mueller, President

The foundation makes grants only to charitable organizations that have a 501-C3 or equivalent tax status granted by the Internal Revenue Service.

While there is no formal application, a written letter of request must be made. All grants are made on a one-time basis to projects that directly address the mission of the Foundation and will directly benefit the greater St. Louis metropolitan area.

Grants are reviewed four times each year in February, May, August and November. The Foundation publishes a brochure describing its goals and objectives, grant-making procedures and application deadlines. A copy may be received on our website, or by contacting the Foundation’s secretary: