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.

GIH Announces New Board Members

Grantmakers In Health is pleased to announce that Irfan Hasan, Oanh Maroney-Omitade, Tricia Neuman, Randall Russell, and Nikki Highsmith Vernick have been elected to its board of directors.

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Grantmakers In Health Announces New Strategic Plan: Better Health For All Through Better Philanthropy

In advance of its 40th year anniversary, Grantmakers In Health (GIH) today released its five-year strategic plan, outlining an equity-centered path forward to bring its new vision, “Better health for all through better philanthropy,” to life.

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Strategic Plan Overview

For nearly 40 years, Grantmakers In Health has been a leading nonprofit, educational organization dedicated to helping staff and trustees at foundations, corporate giving programs, and other philanthropic organizations improve the health of all people. In 2020, the pathway to our future became clear as we saw the global COVID-19 pandemic perpetuate social and racial…

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2025 GIH Strategic Plan

Introduction Executive Summary Organizational Background Mission & Values Environmental Scan 2025 Strategy Key Actions and Indicators of Success Conclusion

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GIH’s History

For 40 years, Grantmakers In Health has been a nonprofit, educational organization dedicated to helping trustees and staff at foundations and corporate giving programs improve the health of all people.

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