Elevating Community Priorities to Shape Georgia’s Health Policy Agenda
Georgia stands at a pivotal moment that will shape the direction of health policy in our state. With an open governor’s race in 2026, along with other open seats, we’re on the cusp of significant political transition. While new leadership introduces uncertainty, it also creates opportunity. This moment opens the door for nonpartisan, nonprofit, private foundations like our team at Georgia Health Initiative to play a constructive role in elevating community priorities to shape a health policy agenda designed to work for all Georgians.
Strengthening Health Care Access for People with Disabilities: Lessons for Philanthropy
In July, we recognize Disability Pride Month, marking the anniversary of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and celebrating the contributions and diverse identities of people with disabilities. While the ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability and establishes protections and requirements for employers, state, and local governments, and other areas of public life, many people with disabilities still face barriers.
UniHealth Foundation: July 2026
UniHealth Foundation recently launched its Healthy Neighbors Small Grants Program. The new initiative will fund nonprofits focused on enhancing community health and wellness in Pasadena, Altadena, Sierra Madre, and South Pasadena, California. Grant awards will range from $5,000 to $10,000, with decisions announced in late fall 2026.
GIH Health Policy Update Newsletter
The Latest
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.
Eight Ways to Build a Healthier Tomorrow as a Small Foundation
But we know that making a dent in deep societal issues and in drivers of health outcomes and health equity—like systemic oppression, institutionalized racism, and generational poverty—takes a lot more than writing a check.
The Urgent Need for Nature During and After COVID-19
Mounting research, combined with our personal and professional experience, suggest that improving equity in access to greenspace may help combat health inequities. Access to safe, nearby nature must be prioritized as critical public health infrastructure and not just an amenity for a few.
Hiding in Plain Sight: Care Challenges for Older Adults Living with HIV
Unless you fund an AIDS-serving organization or have a personal connection, this may surprise you, but HIV/AIDS has quietly undergone a metamorphosis, and it is time for health funders to take a fresh look.
Health Affairs: COVID-19: It’s Time For Foundations To Be The Life-Saving Difference
In this Health Affairs blog post, Elizabeth Ripley shares the strategies Mat-Su Health Foundation is using to support health and human service nonprofits during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as how the foundation is doing its work differently during this “philanthropic emergency.”
Candid: Directory of Funds for Coronavirus Relief
A significant number of health foundations are contributing to response and recovery funds. Candid is compiling a list of funds specifically established in the wake of Coronavirus. The list focuses on funds hosted at US-based foundations that serve nonprofits, though others outside of this criteria may appear as well.
Achieving Health Equity is Possible, and Philanthropy Can Help Lead the Way
Philanthropy has a critical role to play in ensuring that health disparities are acknowledged and addressed during this crisis and throughout the recovery process. Health foundations are uniquely positioned to respond to COVID-19 and can deploy a wide range of resources in their communities.