Grantmakers In Health's Advocacy for the 2024 Reauthorization of the Older Americans Act
First signed into law in 1965, the Older Americans Act (OAA) provides critical services that address the social drivers of health for older adults such as nutrition, transportation, senior centers, elder rights protections, caregiver support, and health promotion. If the OAA is not reauthorized, it is set to expire on September 30, 2024. In 2023, Grantmakers In Health (GIH) and Grantmakers In Aging (GIA) announced a partnership to engage funders in advancing the reauthorization of this critical piece of legislation.
OAA News and Updates
In October 2023, Grantmakers In Aging (GIA) and Grantmakers In Health (GIH)Â launched an 18-month initiative to engage funders in the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA). This report highlights key activities and takeaways and previews future programming.
Learn More →
Grantmakers In Health’s ongoing partnership with Grantmaking In Aging (GIA) advocating for the renewal of the Older Americans Act (OAA) was featured in a July 19, 2024 Inside Philanthropy interview…
Learn More →First signed into law in 1965, the Older Americans Act (OAA) provides critical services that address the social drivers of health for older adults such as nutrition, transportation, senior centers, elder rights protections, caregiver support, and health promotion. A popular, bipartisan, and effective law, the OAA is set to expire on September 30, 2024, if it is not reauthorized. Foundations play a critical role at every stage of the OAA, from the time Congress begins reauthorizing the law, to the appropriation of funding, to the implementation of OAA programs. Now is the time to act.
Learn More →Driving Change through Public-Private Collaboration at Age + Action 2024
On May 7, 2024, Grantmakers In Health (GIH) and Grantmakers In Aging (GIA) cohosted a funders-only meeting at the National Council on Aging’s Age + Action 2024 conference. The session, “Driving Change through Public-Private Collaboration,” focused on bridging connections between the public and private sectors to improve the health and well-being of older adults in…
Grantmakers In Health and Grantmakers In Aging Release Policy Recommendations for Older Americans Act Renewal
On March 21, 2024, Grantmakers In Health (GIH) and Grantmakers In Aging (GIA) responded to a request for feedback about the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA) from the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP).
Opportunities to Engage on the 2024 Reauthorization of the Older Americans Act
First signed into law in 1965, the Older Americans Act (OAA) provides critical services that address the social drivers of health for older adults such as nutrition, transportation, senior centers, elder rights protections, caregiver support, and health promotion. If the OAA is not reauthorized, it is set to expire on September 30, 2024. Grantmakers In…
Grantmakers In Aging and Grantmakers In Health Announce Partnership to Support the 2024 Reauthorization of the Older Americans Act
Grantmakers In Aging (GIA) and Grantmakers In Health (GIH) are pleased to announce a new collaboration aimed at mobilizing funders in support of the 2024 reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA).
Upcoming OAA Events
Save the Date: Health Care Policy in 2025
During this webinar, experts from Leavitt Partners will share the latest developments in health care policy under the new administration. Speakers will include Laura Pence and Sara Singleton of Leavitt Partners. Save the date – details coming soon.
Foundations Take Action on Medicaid
Congress is considering significant cuts to Medicaid as part of the budget reconciliation process being used to advance the new administration’s legislative priorities. Cuts to Medicaid funding would dramatically impact the 80 million people served by the program today. This webinar will provide an overview of potential federal policy changes to Medicaid and considerations for foundations and corporate giving programs as they consider how to take action in their communities. The webinar will feature a panel discussion with the leadership of state foundations to highlight their key initiatives and collaborations on Medicaid defense. Speakers include Patti Baum of Manatt Health, Heather Howard of State Health and Value Strategies, Kaitlyn Kenney Walsh of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation, Sheldon Weisgrau of Missouri Foundation for Health, and Aaron Wernham of Montana Healthcare Foundation.
Funder Approaches to Addressing the Critical Connection Between Youth Mental Wellness and Financial Wellness
Curious about the connection between mental well-being and financial security during adolescence and young adulthood?
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, most mental health conditions are diagnosed during the same life stage when young people are building the skills and accessing opportunities that shape their financial futures. Mental and financial well-being are deeply interconnected—each influences and reinforces the other.
When young people experience mental wellness, they’re better equipped to manage money, handle stress, make informed decisions, and seek help when needed. At the same time, financial security reduces one of the most common sources of stress that can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Yet, despite these strong linkages, funders often treat mental health and financial well-being as separate priorities.
State of the Union for the Disability Community
The current U.S. landscape for people with disabilities is growing more complex as changes to critical policies such as Medicaid and Social Security are being proposed and enacted. Join us for a “state of the union” briefing and discussion on disability priorities that highlights both the current realities and the actions needed to improve access, quality, and outcomes. Speakers include Sandy Ho of Disability & Philanthropy Forum, Dom Kelly of New Disabled South, Sean Jackson of Disability Rights Texas, and Mai Pham of Institute for Exceptional Care. Cosponsored with Disability & Philanthropy Forum and WITH Foundation.
CEO Working Group Webinar
Grantmakers In Health is pleased to convene the CEO Working Group to discuss challenges in our work and opportunities for collaboration as we move forward to achieve our health missions under the new administration.
CEO Working Group Webinar
Grantmakers In Health is pleased to convene the CEO Working Group to discuss challenges in our work and opportunities for collaboration as we move forward to achieve our health missions under the new administration.
2025 Rural Health Philanthropy Partnership Meeting
Grantmakers In Health (GIH), the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy, the National Rural Health Association, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Office of Rural Health will co-host the 2025 Rural Health Philanthropy Partnership Meeting, welcoming foundations, federal entities, and other partners to discuss how our combined efforts might produce better health outcomes…
Recent OAA Events
NCOA Age + Action 2024
On May 7, 2024, Grantmakers In Health (GIH) and Grantmakers In Aging (GIA) cohosted a funders-only meeting at the National Council on Aging’s Age + Action 2024 conference. The session, “Driving Change through Public-Private Collaboration,” focused on bridging connections between the public and private sectors to improve the health and well-being of older adults in the U.S.
Advocacy for the Older Americans Act Reauthorization: What Can My 501c 3 Foundation Do?
Participants convened for a workshop that provided a clear understanding of what advocacy activities your 501(c)(3) organization can engage in, what communications count as lobbying, and how to maximize your non-lobbying advocacy. 
GIA Member and GIH Funding Partner Meet Up: Older Americans Act Reauthorization
As part of this analysis, leaders from the field convened on January 18 for a meet-up to help shape new partnerships to support the OAA and advance older Americans’ health and social needs.