A short history of the Health Foundation

The first two decades of the 21st century have posed unique challenges for the UK’s health and care system, alongside remarkable innovation and change.

During this time the Health Foundation has evolved from an organisation focused on clinical research, to one focused on health care improvement. It now has a broad mission to improve health and care, and reduce health inequalities in the UK.

Find out more about:

• Our origins: how the Foundation’s beginnings lie in a mutual health insurance scheme for middle-income Londoners.
• Our funding: formed from one of the largest endowments in UK history, this underpins our independence and ability to plan and fund work for the longer term.
• Our evolving mission: why our mission has evolved over time, including our approach to funding and how we share our insights.

Health and care are operating in uncertain times, and the Foundation will be responsive in setting its agenda for the next phase. In January 2023, its 25th year, the Foundation will publish its new strategic plan 2023–25, which will build on this heritage and outline the road ahead.