Philanthropy’s Role in Addressing Neighborhood Conditions That Shape Health

Kristina Gray-Akpa, Program Director, Grantmakers In Health

From sidewalks to toxic stress, evidence shows where people live has a greater impact on health than medical care, behavior, or genetics. As funders move upstream, there is increased interest in supporting efforts to build healthy places. This scan of the field explores how grantmakers are addressing neighborhood factors that shape health such as housing, community development, the built environment, and transportation. The scan includes results from a survey of 66 GIH Funding Partners and also features in-depth interviews with five foundations investing in healthy communities. In addition to tracking current funding trends, the scan identifies opportunities for future activities and shares recommendations for the field.

Philanthropy’s Role in Addressing Neighborhood Conditions That Shape Health — PDF 551KB