North Shore Health Care Foundation

The North Shore Health Care Foundation (NSHCF), now in its 30th year, is an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization benefiting health care and emergency services in Cook County, Minnesota. Our Vision –  A  healthy community for all in Cook County.

The Foundation proactively identifies opportunities to expand equitable health care and healthy living in Cook County and champions solutions through funding, education, and advocacy. We have awarded over $1.16 million in grants since 1995, and have developed critical programs that address gaps in health services. North Shore Health Care Foundation serves as an incubator of innovative and preventative-focused efforts which address health care gaps and needs in Cook County. “Can’t be done” is not in the Foundation’s vernacular. Examples of NSHCF incubation programs which began as ideas include: Care Partners of Cook County, the Oral Health Task Force, the Northern Cancer Travel Grant (now the Giving Tree with Sawtooth Mountain Clinic) and now our current incubator program, the Cook County MN Restorative Justice. 

A Bright Guiding Light

NSHCF is dedicated to making positive change and being a bright light for local health care providers, emergency services, and community groups implementing equitable health-focused programming.

Our values at the forefront in all we do. 

We believe in the possibilities of people, organizations, businesses and governments working together to create a healthy community for all in Cook County. Our values represent what we believe in, what we stand for and how we approach everything we do at the North Shore Health Care Foundation. They provide a guideline for making decisions at all levels of our organization and include:

•          Responsible stewardship

•          Collaboration and partnerships

•          Efficient and effective governance

•          Compassion

•          Inherent dignity

•          Inclusion

•          Integrity

•          Being nimble

 Priorities

In recent years, the Foundation has put a stronger emphasis on prevention programs and is working to address issues related to resources for seniors and aging well in Cook County, Children’s Mental Health and impacts of substance misuse, and resources for travel and lodging for out-of-town health care. We are also now home to the Cook County MN Restorative Justice Program, which helps positively change the course for predominantly young offenders and teaches conflict resolution and community reparation. The Restorative Justice program has over 20 trained facilitators and an active multi-sector advisory council.

We believe health is not just the absence of illness, but that a healthy community is reflected in the health of individuals which is embodied in prevention and education regarding health; a com­munity that maintains health through its systems of food, housing, employment, clean water, clean air, healthy exercise and social norms; and access to quality, affordable health care for all.

Our primary contributions for creating a healthy Cook County lie in our ability to provide and leverage funding, provide educational opportunities including convening community partners to address critical health issues fac­ing the community, and by advocating with others to help us achieve a healthy community. Where gaps exist, the Foundation also develops and incubates programs to address critical needs. 

Become a Friend of the Foundation

Our friends (members) are the backbone of our efforts to fulfill our mission and vision for a healthy community for all in Cook County. Friends sustain our operations and helps the NSHCF makes major grants to the many organizations committed to providing health and emergency care locally, including supporting:

Care Partners of Cook County which provides vital support and services to help clients and their families address the transitions of aging, serious illness and end of life with safety, dignity, and confidence.

Cook County Higher Education for health care education and access to programming which advances health and emergency care.

Cook County Emergency Management and Emergency Services including nine Volunteer Fire Departments, four EMS units, the Cook County Ropes Rescue Team, Search & Rescue and the Emergency Chaplaincy Program,

Healthcare Workforce Solutions - Started in late 2022, the NSHCF is leading a collaborative effort with local health partners to create accredited work-study opportunities, improve access to high-tech training and secure Cook County's healthcare workforce, and

Many more local organizations that are addressing our priorities of Children's Mental Health & Substance Misuse, Seniors' Services, and Resources for out-of-town Medical Care.

Help us continue this effort by becoming a Friend of the Foundation today.  Suggested levels are:

$1,000 - North Star
$500 - Guiding Light
$250 - Navigator
$100 - Wayfinder
$50 - Beacon

Go to www.NorthShoreHealthCareFoundation.org to become a friend today!