Description of the Framework

This framework represents a way of funding health promotion that places communities in a leadership position, one that has as few barriers as possible and is flexible and responsive to community-identified priorities. It is a blueprint or action plan for forming an organization to fund health promotion in British Columbia. The framework diagram illustrates the dynamic link between the determinants of health and the actions of communities. These factors, in turn, are linked to the funding organization and to the strategies and processes that support the work of community agencies and frontline personnel.

The diagram is a visual image made up of seven components that can be found in organizations that fund community-inspired health promotion. The framework incorporates the results of discussions with six foundations throughout the world and with five focus groups held in rural British Columbia communities. It also includes the input of key informants and supporters of the BC Health Promotion Coalition who are knowledgeable about funding health promotion.

The diagram is a conceptual model that is part of a larger framework description. The seven components that are essential to the operations of a health promotion funding body are:

• values
• structure and governance
• source of funds
• distribution of funds
• relationship with communities
• accountability
• sustainability, partnerships and communications - three strategies that support the ongoing activities and implementation of the framework.