A Philanthropic Tree of Life: Seeding Health Equity through Influence and Innovation

Philanthropy can function as a living ecosystem for change rooted in equity, nourished by trust, and bearing the fruits of community well-being. The Direct Relief Fund for Health Equity (DRFHE), launched with $50 million in initial investments, exemplifies a transformative philanthropic model supporting nearly 200 community-based organizations across the United States. Acknowledging DRFHE as a “Tree of Life” offers a framework grounded in community-led, trust-based, and unrestricted giving that challenges traditional philanthropic paradigms. Therefore, this article describes the fund’s origins, strategic priorities, and outcomes, and introduces the DRFHE Tree of Life framework as a replicable model for equity-driven philanthropy.

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Transitions

Philanthropy @ Work – Transitions – April 2026

The latest on transitions from the field.

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Grants and Programs

Philanthropy @ Work – Grants and Programs – April 2026

The latest on grants and programs from the field.

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GIH Health Policy Update Newsletter

An Exclusive Resource for Funding Partners

The Health Policy Update is a newsletter produced in collaboration with Leavitt Partners and Trust for America’s Health. Drawing on GIH’s policy priorities outlined in our policy agenda and our strategic objective of increasing our policy and advocacy presence, the Health Policy Update provides GIH Funding Partners with a range of federal health policy news.

New Campaign Seeks to Address Black Communities’ Concerns About COVID-19 Vaccines

Black people are much more likely than other Americans to contract, be hospitalized for, and die from COVID-19. A new campaign, THE CONVERSATION: Between Us, About Us, is aiming to bridge the information gap between Black communities and trusted health experts.

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New Navigator Funding Available

On March 1, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced $2.3 million in additional funding to current Navigator grantees in federally-facilitated marketplace states to support the outreach, education, and enrollment efforts around the 2021 special enrollment period (now through May 15, 2021). The 30 organizations eligible to receive these funds work across 28 states to help consumers access financial assistance through HealthCare.gov, complete their applications, and enroll in coverage through the marketplace, Medicaid, or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

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It’s Up to You

The Ad Council and the COVID Collaborative have launched a new campaign to educate the American public and build confidence around the COVID-19 vaccines.

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Philanthropy’s Rural Blind Spot

This timely analysis of shows how two aspects of distress—lack of human capital and economic disadvantage—predict communities’ likelihood of both applying for and receiving funding, explores the reasons for these inequities, and provides real-world examples of how funders can better serve these communities.

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