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.

The Chronicle of Philanthropy: 6 Steps for Grant Makers to Take Now to Ensure Nonprofits Recover From Coronavirus Spread

In “6 Steps for Grant Makers to Take Now to Ensure Nonprofits Recover From Coronavirus Spread,” published in the Chronicle of Philanthropy, Antony Bugg-Levine, CEO of Nonprofit Finance Fund, discusses how funders can help nonprofits recover from the COVID-19 crisis.

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Shyaam Subramanian

Advocacy in an Election Year

As elections approach, foundations across the country are considering how to best raise awareness of issues ranging from health equity and climate change to immigration reform and criminal justice.Health foundations tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code—which includes both private foundations and community foundations—must comply with IRS rules requiring 501(c)(3) organizations to remain nonpartisan

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FSG: COVID-19⁠—Seven Things Philanthropy Can Do

“COVID-19: Seven Things Philanthropy Can Do,” a blog post by Lauren Smith, Co-CEO of FSG, a mission-driven consulting firm.

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GIH Food Access and Security Learning Community

It is with pleasure that we invite you to join the GIH Food Access and Security Learning Community.

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Ned Calonge Headshot

Join Us in Welcoming Cara James to Grantmakers In Health

Last week, Grantmakers In Health announced that Cara James has been selected as the organization’s fourth President and CEO. We are thrilled to welcome her to the GIH family.

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Grantmakers In Health Appoints Dr. Cara V. James President and CEO

The Grantmakers In Health Board of Directors has has named Dr. Cara V. James, Director of the Office of Minority Health at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), its next President and Chief Executive Officer.

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