About Us
Who We Are
The Headington Institute Foundation (HIF) is a private grantmaking foundation dedicated to strengthening the emotional and
physical wellbeing of those who serve others. We support nonprofits that care for international humanitarian aid workers,
domestic emergency responders, and community caregivers—individuals who operate on the front lines of crisis, trauma, and
community recovery.
We believe that when helpers are supported, communities become safer, stronger, and more resilient.
Our Purpose
Every year, thousands of responders, caregivers, and aid professionals experience extreme stress, burnout, and trauma
exposure. Smaller nonprofits doing this critical work often lack the resources needed to sustain comprehensive wellbeing
programs. Our purpose is to bridge that gap.
HIF invests in organizations that:
Provide mental health and resilience resources
Offer training, peer support, and crisis response programs
Strengthen long-term wellbeing and organizational health
Support culturally grounded and community-driven care models
We focus on opportunities where a grant can make a meaningful, lasting difference.
Our Mission
Supporting nonprofits that promote the emotional and physical wellbeing of international humanitarian aid workers, domestic
emergency responders, and community caregivers. We invest in organizations that care for the people who care for the world—
those who serve on the front lines of crisis, trauma, disaster response, and community healing.
Our Vision
A world where every helper is resilient, supported, and equipped to thrive.
We envision a global network of aid workers and caregivers who have access to high-quality mental health resources, culturally
informed support, and sustainable wellbeing practices—no matter where they serve.
Our Story
The Headington Institute Foundation (HIF) was created to expand and strengthen the long-standing legacy of the Headington
Institute, an organization known internationally for its work in humanitarian and responder wellbeing. For over two decades,
the Institute has supported thousands of professionals serving in high-stress, high-trauma environments around the world.
As the need for wellbeing support continued to grow—especially among smaller, under-resourced nonprofits—the Foundation
was established to broaden our impact. HIF exists to invest in organizations advancing emotional health, resilience, training,
and holistic support for humanitarian aid workers, emergency responders, and community caregivers.
Today, the Foundation continues this legacy by providing strategic grants, strengthening partner capacity, and championing
the wellbeing of those who show up for others in moments of crisis.