The Rapides Foundation's Economic Development Initiative makes the link between healthy economies and healthy people.

Healthy economies with low unemployment rates and higher wage jobs provide people with the means to purchase medical insurance, make better healthcare choices and live healthier lifestyles. The goal of the initiative is to raise the standard of living in Central Louisiana by improving the region's capacity to produce higher-wage jobs for all income levels and generate more wealth in its communities. Its grantmaking strategy revolves around key components: Business Start-ups and Expansions; Workforce Skills and Development; and Business Culture and Environment.