MISSION

To improve the health and reduce the burden of illness of the people of New Hampshire, especially the vulnerable and underserved.

An understanding of our mission begins by understanding the meaning of "health." The term is best defined by the World Health Organization: Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease. This definition acknowledges that health care is an important factor in achieving health, but is not the same as health.

The word, "people" also has a special meaning in our mission. We address the needs of communities of people rather than individuals. While we are concerned about the health of individuals, our primary focus is to encourage improvements in health care systems that will benefit vulnerable populations in New Hampshire. For example, people who live many miles from health care facilities and face significant transportation problems represent a vulnerable population.

VISION

We will partner with others to improve the health and well-being of New Hampshire's residents, especially those who are most vulnerable and underserved by our health system.

VALUES

Sound values inform good decisions. Our staff, Board and Advisory Council devote ongoing time and thought to our values. We work to ensure that our values serve as the compass for our decisions and behaviors.

Integrity - The Endowment for Health will conduct itself with integrity in all of its actions and relationships.

• We will be clear and open in our actions and communications
• We will subject our financial records and transactions to independent scrutiny
• We will invite internal and external review of our processes

Stewardship - The Endowment for Health will be a good steward of all of its resources.

• We will use the Endowment's assets wisely while protecting and growing the principal for the future
• We will partner with others, including other funders, to expand the impact of our work
• We will treat our relationships with our partners as one of shared responsibility and accountability

Fairness - The Endowment for Health will strive to be fair to all.

• We will ensure that all funding requests are handled with a clear process and without bias
• We will work to ensure that all applicants have equitable access to Endowment resources
• We will remain non-partisan

Respect - The Endowment for Health will treat everyone with respect.

• We will recognize and honor the humanity in all people
• We will consider all voices and listen carefully
• We will strive to understand and respect social and cultural differences

Compassion - The Endowment for Health will approach its work with compassion and understanding for its partners and all of the people in the larger community of our state.

• We will listen with an open mind and an open heart
• We will work to understand the circumstances and challenges faced by our partners and our communities
• We will do all we can to support our partners' vision

Courage - The Endowment for Health will have the courage to live up to its mission.

• We will give voice to important issues, even when unpopular or uncomfortable
• We will be willing to invest Endowment resources in uncertain but important outcomes
• We will speak up when one or more of us are not acting according to our values