What We Do
At Regenstrief Foundation, we support innovative, applied research that allows systems of health care to be more effective and efficient, improving quality and equity in the delivery of care.
Impact Areas
INFORMATICS AND DATA ANALYTICS
Work supported by Regenstrief Foundation was pivotal to development of the electronic health record (EHR) as a tool to capture clinical data. More recently, we have pivoted to leveraging data to improve systems of care and address health inequities. This transformative work is driven by the science of informatics and data analytics, unlocking new insights and driving impactful change in delivery of care.
DISSEMINATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF TRANSFORMATIVE PROCESSES
Examples include standard setting, virtual care approaches and other innovations
An often-overlooked aspect of informatics is designing and implementing standards that ensure consistency in capturing variables and observations across all electronic health record systems. These standards enable the aggregation of databases, facilitating population studies that drive the development and testing of innovative interventions.
EPIDEMIOLOGY
Epidemiology empowers scientists to make sense of data generated by electronic health records, uncovering patterns that inform the design of effective interventions. By supporting epidemiology, we advance its use as a powerful tool to enhance systems of care and improve patient outcomes.
APPLICATION OF ENGINEERING PRINCIPLES
We care about systems of care. Systems are the heart and soul of engineering. We support initiatives that integrate engineering approaches into health care, recognizing their potential to enhance system efficiency and outcomes.
Where We Invest
Regenstrief Foundation has supported, and in some cases continues to support programs at Regenstrief Institute, Purdue University and Eskenazi Health Foundation all with the aim of informing systems change in health care delivery that address health inequities. Although all our funding has been Indiana-based, our geographic scope is not restricted within the United States.
-
Regenstrief Institute
Through our ongoing support, we empower the Regenstrief Institute to drive innovation in health systems. Most of this funding is for core operating support, however some funding has been directed to specific initiatives or projects. The Institute currently has six research initiatives organized into five centers:
• Center for Biomedical Informatics
• Center for Aging Research
• Center for Health Services Research
• Health Data Standards
• Data Services
Regenstrief Foundation also funded the Regenstrief Medical Record System, which arguably proved the utility and rationale for development of today’s electronic health records.
-
Regenstrief Center for Healthcare Engineering at Purdue University
In 2004, we funded the creation of the Regenstrief Center for Healthcare Engineering at Purdue. This collaboration combines Purdue University's engineering and management expertise with Sam Regenstrief's vision for more efficient health care for all. While direct funding for the center concluded in 2022, an endowment fund ensures its continued mission.
-
Regenstrief Center for Health Equity Research at Eskenazi Health
In 2023, Eskenazi Health initiated a new program to close health gaps and improve life expectancy in low-income areas across the city of Indianapolis. Regenstrief Foundation committed funds to create the Regenstrief Center for Health Equity Research and to evaluate the success of this program and share those results broadly.
Our Grantmaking Approach
Focused on Practical Research for Real-World Solutions
Regenstrief Foundation prioritizes funding practical research aimed at developing real-world, implementable solutions to improve health care delivery and accessibility. As part of the grantmaking process, we identify specific goals to measure the impact of each research project as identified in the grant application. We are committed to building deep, long-lasting relationships with our grantees, meeting frequently with our grant recipients and, at times even serving on their boards or committees. Additionally, we may provide operational support to ensure the long-term stability of grantee institutions.
Grantmaking Process
Regenstrief Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals and only invites applications from organizations that clearly align with our priorities.
If you think your organization might align with Regenstrief Foundation’s priorities, please reach out to us using the Contact Us form.