Empire Health Foundation
Waters Meet Foundation (previously Empire Health Foundation)
Website: https://www.empirehealthfoundation.org/
Founded: Originally as Empire Health Foundation Spokane in 2008; rebranded to Waters Meet in 2022
Type: 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Private Foundation
Location: 1020 W Riverside Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
Phone: (509) 315-1323
Email: communications@empirehealthfoundation.org
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
Mission
Waters Meet Foundation is on a collaborative journey to dismantle persistent health inequities in the Inland Northwest by supporting community power building and grassroots advocacy.
History
Established in 2008 through the sale of Deaconess and Valley Medical Centers, Waters Meet is a private health conversion foundation dedicated to advancing health equity in eastern Washington.
Strategic Direction
In May 2024, Waters Meet adopted a 10-Year Strategic Direction (2025–2034) to reimagine its role alongside the community. This strategy focuses on centering communities and their solutions, building community power, and accelerating racial, social, and economic justice. Learn more at https://www.empirehealthfoundation.org/assets/PDFs/EHFStrategicDirection.pdf
Programs and Initiatives
Building Connections Initiative
Launched in 2025, this initiative supports a cohort of 20 by-and-for grassroots nonprofits in eastern Washington, providing multi-year general operating support to build a healthier, more sustainable nonprofit ecosystem.
Community Sponsorships
Waters Meet provides sponsorships to eligible 501(c)(3) public charities located in specific counties and tribal reservations in eastern Washington, supporting events and initiatives that align with its mission.
In partnership with Revive Counseling Spokane, Waters Meet operates the Cannon Street Center to assist individuals in crisis, aiming to transition them into better housing and treatment options. Waters Meet also works under contract with the city to facilitate the specialized shelter model. Waters Meet coordinates with service providers, property owners, city staff, and neighborhood councils to site and operate specialized shelters. Waters Meet also provides technical assistance and convenes regular meetings with housing and homeless service providers in Spokane.
Focus Areas
Waters Meet funding prioritizes leaders and community organizations working to address health inequities and accelerate racial, social, and economic justice in the Inland Northwest.
Service Area
Waters Meet serves seven counties and three sovereign tribal nations in eastern Washington:
- Counties: Adams, Ferry, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, Whitman
- Tribal Nations: Colville Confederated Tribes, Kalispel Tribe of Indians, Spokane Tribe of Indians
Get Involved
Careers: Explore opportunities to join the EHF team. Careers Page
Grants and Sponsorships: Learn about current grant opportunities and sponsorships. Grant Opportunities
Event Space Rental: Nonprofits can reserve event spaces at the Philanthropy Center free of charge. Event Spaces
