Public Policy Strategies
Many funders view public policy engagement as an essential part of ensuring sustainable improvements in population health. As a result, health philanthropy plays a vital and unique role in the public policy process. GIH works to build understanding between health grantmakers and policymakers, and supports grantmakers in their efforts to fund policy-relevant projects. Our work includes communicating with health grantmakers about the relevance of public policy to their work; providing opportunities for grantmakers to learn more about specific health policy issues; providing training and technical assistance to grantmakers; connecting grantmakers with strong interests in health policy; raising policymakers’ awareness of the work of health philanthropy; and building relationships with government agencies.
- Deaconess Foundation Launches New Advocacy Grants
June 2013
Deaconess Foundation has established a new grant making opportunity for organizations engaged in advocating for the needs of children, especially those growing up in poverty in St. Louis. The Foundation intends to select approximately 10 organizations for its initial round of support. The advocacy grants are part of a larger community capacity building strategy designed to improve the St. Louis community’s ability to address systemic issues that have long-term impact on the health and well-being of children and youth. In its initial year, the Foundation will allocate nearly $400,000 to build the region’s capacity for aligned work.
Learn More > - Colorado Health Foundation Speaks Out on Sequestration
May 2013
Bob Mook, editorial manager of the Colorado Health Foundation, explores the impact of automatic federal budget cuts on Colorado's health system and highlights significant negative consequences for a variety of public programs, including Vaccines for Children, public health preparedness and response, substance abuse treatment, Community Health Centers, and nutrition programs for seniors.
Learn More > - Social Media as an Advocacy Tool
May 2013
The Alliance for Justice highlights several new resources for using social media as an advocacy tool.
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- Sustaining Health Care Improvement Initiatives through Policy
June 2013
By Becky Hayes Boober, Maine Health Access Foundation
Learn More > - Gun Control: A Health Policy Issue?
May 2013
Although the health-related consequences of gun violence are undeniable, the need for stronger gun control policies to address these health outcomes is hotly contested. Is the field of health philanthropy particularly “gun shy” about engaging in the contentious policy debate surrounding gun control?
Learn More > - Health Advocacy: Yes, No, or Maybe So?
August 2012
Although engagement in public policy is viewed as a mission-critical strategy by an increasing number of health funders, many foundations are still considering whether and how they should support health advocacy efforts.
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Evaluating Policy and Advocacy Grants
Alliance for Justice, Bolder Advocacy: Focus on Foundations
Atlantic Philanthropies, Investing in Change: Why Supporting Advocacy Makes Sense for Foundations
Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest
Center on Philanthropy and Public Policy, Foundation Practices for Public Policy Engagement
Grantcraft, Advocacy Funding: The Philanthropy of Changing Minds
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