We invite you to submit a session proposal for the 2027 Grantmakers In Health (GIH) Annual Conference on Health Philanthropy, From Meetings to Movements: Transforming Health, which will be held in person in Chicago, Illinois, from June 28 to July 1, 2027.
From Meetings to Movements: Transforming Health
Forty-five years ago, a small group of health funders came together to launch an organization to help them learn about important health issues and to learn from one another. Since then, Grantmakers In Health has been helping funders learn, connect, and grow through educational programming like the annual conference. Together, we have learned about the social drivers of health, the role of structural and systemic barriers to health, health inequities, and how to be better philanthropic partners with the communities we seek to help. As a result, health philanthropy has evolved, and outcomes have improved.
Unfortunately, recent unprecedented actions at the federal level threaten the progress of the last few decades, and countering these threats requires GIH and health funders to evolve once more. The moment requires us to develop new skills, break out of our silos, and work together in new ways.
The 2027 GIH annual conference is an important opportunity for health funders to come together to explore new ideas and innovative partnerships designed to help mobilize the field to achieve better health for all. GIH is looking for action-oriented session proposals that explore how funders are:
- Responding to the changing political and legal landscape, including policy changes, funding, and access to health and social services;
- Organizing and mobilizing within philanthropy to advance health and equity;
- Strengthening foundation governance and leadership in uncertain times;
- Supporting communications and narrative change work;
- Improving and reimagining our health system;
- Empowering communities and fostering collaboration across sectors;
- Responding to continued attacks on health equity and diversity, equity, and inclusion;
- Defending against threats to philanthropic giving; and
- Investing in innovative work in the Chicagoland region.