The Terrance Keenan Institute for Emerging Leaders in Health Philanthropy was founded by Grantmakers In Health (GIH) with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. It is a living legacy through which Terry Keenan’s words and deeds inspire future philanthropic leaders to create a more just and equitable world.
GIH created the institute to nurture talented mid-career foundation staff who have shown the potential to be among the next generation of leaders in the field of health philanthropy. It builds relationships among this cadre of emerging philanthropic leaders and connects them with established figures in the field. The institute will be held October 7 – 8 in Washington, DC.
Terrance Keenan (1924-2009) had a profound impact on the field of health philanthropy, as well as on generations of individuals who have been inspired by his wisdom and values. By example and instruction, he challenged grantmakers to exercise their freedom to invest in leadership and develop new institutions and systems to confront major needs. He encouraged them to embrace both the freedom to fail and the freedom to persist.
The Institute Experience
The Terrance Keenan Institute emphasizes leadership development, exploration of critical issues facing the field, and building collegial connections that can endure throughout fellows’ careers. The Institute’s retreat format includes a mix of structured sessions, small group discussions, and time for informal networking. Topics reflect key themes from Terry Keenan’s work and writings. He encouraged grantmakers to place people and ideas at the center of philanthropic work, and urged them to be innovative, to take risks, and to creatively deploy foundation resources.
Institute faculty are seasoned philanthropic leaders
Collaborative contributions to advance the field
Established figures in the field of philanthropy attend the October 2024 gathering to share wisdom and offer mentorship.
An example of Terrance Keenan Institute cohorts working together to co-author articles and thought leadership for the field.
Selection Criteria
Because institute fellows are expected to be among the next generation of philanthropic leaders, evidence of leadership potential will be a critical consideration in the selection process. Nominees will be judged on many dimensions of leadership, including:
- thoughtful use of philanthropic dollars and other resources;
- creativity and risk taking;
- innovative and critical thinking;
- ability to foster respectful partnerships with colleagues, grantee partners, and other stakeholders;
- management acumen and ability to lead diverse teams;
- contributions to their foundations and the broader field; and
- demonstrated interest in assuming increasing responsibility and leadership roles.
To be eligible, a nominee must be an active grantmaker with a U.S. foundation or corporate giving program working in an area that affects health or the social drivers of health. Nominees should be mid-career staff members who are poised for the next stage of their professional growth. They may be program officers, program directors, or other staff involved in grantmaking including communications, evaluation, grants management, and finance. GIH and the selection committee strongly encourage nominations of emerging leaders who reflect the rich diversity of health philanthropy.
If selected, nominees are expected to attend the institute program in Washington, DC on October 7 – 8, 2026. There is no charge to attend the program. However, fellows’ organizations are responsible for their travel and hotel expenses.
Nomination Process
Terrance Keenan Institute fellows must be nominated by the President and CEO or Executive Director of their respective foundations. Nominators may nominate only one individual. Since more than one staff person may express interest in the institute, we ask that careful consideration be given to the selection criteria.
Nominators should submit a statement presenting the nominee’s defining characteristics, describing their leadership potential, and how they will benefit from participation in the institute. The statement should also include a brief biographical profile of the nominee, including a summary of their contributions to health philanthropy.
We would also like to learn more about each nominee and their ideas on philanthropic leadership. Nominees should submit a personal statement answering the following two questions:
- Why do you want to participate in the institute and what do you hope to learn from the faculty and other fellows? In what ways can you imagine applying your experiences to your current or future work?
- What are the qualities of leadership that you currently apply to your work, and what experiences or training do you think would make you a more effective leader within your organization and/or the broader field?
A complete nomination package must include:
- Nominator statement. This may be in the form of a letter, which should not exceed four single-spaced typed pages.
- Nominee personal statement. This may also be a letter and should not be more than two typed pages.
- Completed nomination form, using our 2026 nominations platform
Nominations are due by Thursday, March 12, 2026
Contact
If you have any questions about the institute or nomination process, please contact Kate Treanor.
