The Health Trust is a health care conversion foundation that provides grants to left-of-center organizations, offers services to groups seen as victims, and lobbies for left-of-center health care policies. 1
The Health Trust was founded when a for-profit corporation purchased a nonprofit San Jose hospital system in 1996. The proceeds were converted into a trust fund to promote health and access to health care. 2
The Trust operates through three functions: grants, direct services, and lobbying. All three activities fall under the mantle of health, but include a wide range of organizations, actions, and policies. 1
The Health Trust’s grants are officially directed towards health-related issues, such as providing food, medical services, and affordable housing. These grants include funding for sexually transmitted infection tests for both adults and children, particularly infections common to LGBT individuals such as HIV, and partnering with various aligned organizations. 6
Other grants, called “Emerging Opportunity Grants,” are directed towards achieving left-of-center equity goals, such as increased diversity and wealth redistribution. 7 The third category of grants, community grants, are the smallest of the three and focused locally, but with no specified kinds of organizations. 8
Grantee organizations include left-of-center foundations, activist groups, and coalitions, such as Joint Venture Silicon Valley. 3
Activities
the Health Trust provides a range of services. The Trust claims to provide general chronic disease services, but only provides HIV/AIDS treatment. 9 However, the Trust does provide a range of community food services, such as delivering meals and groceries and operating a food bank. 10 The Trust also provides housing for individuals with HIV/AIDS. 11
In addition, the Trust lobbies state and local government for left-of-center policy positions regarding government-provided healthcare and housing and increased welfare spending. 12
TO IDENTIFY AND FUND COMMUNITY-LED ORGANIZATIONS AND/OR INITIATIVES TO IMPROVE HEALTH OUTCOMES IN SANTA CLARA COUNTY.
$407,000
2025
YOUTH ALLIANCE
TO ADDRESS FOOD INSECURITY AND EXPAND WRAPAROUND SUPPORT, INCLUDING TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE INTO ITS PROGRAMS FOR MARGINALIZED YOUTH AND FAMILIES IN SOUTH SANTA CLARA AND NORTHERN SAN BENITO COUNTIES.
TO FACILITATE THE BUILDING OF PARTNERSHIPS AND A FRAMEWORK FOR A NEW, LONG-TERM VISION FOR LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS AND ADVANCE A SUSTAINED PRESENCE FOR PHILANTHROPY IN SUPPORT OF PUBLIC HEALTHS ESSENTIAL WORK.
TO IMPROVE DIABETES MANAGEMENT AT GARDNERS GILROY HEALTH CENTER, ENHANCING CARE QUALITY AND OUTCOMES FOR VULNERABLE PATIENTS.
$204,256
2022
Amigos de Guadalupe Center for Justice and Empowerment
SEE PART IV
$202,500
2022
South County Community Health Center Inc DBA Ravenswood Family Health Network
SEE PART IV
$202,500
2020
West Valley Community Services of Santa Clara County, Inc.
See part iv
$200,000
2025
Roots Community Health
TO BOLSTER ITS TYPE 2 DIABETES MANAGEMENT PROGRAM BY LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY AND PERSONALIZED CARE TO CREATE SUSTAINABLE, IMPACTFUL CHANGE FOR COMMUNITIES OF AFRICAN DESCENT.
