Strategic Thinking for Health Funders

This Issue Brief, based on an October 2000 Issue Dialogue, explores issues at the intersection of environment and health. It begins with a discussion of the increase in antibiotic resistance, likely factors that have contributed to this increase, and action by the public sector to limit this phenomenon. The report also provides an introduction to systemic contaminants, illustrating both their complexities and intervention strategies through case studies of well-known contaminants. Current grantmaker activities to address these issues are presented, as well as opportunities for future activities that cut across both of these broad issues.

For all the sophistication of our health care system, the United States does not have a highly developed and supportive long-term care network that takes good care of its elderly. This Issue Brief offers an overview of the primary factors influencing the quality of long-term care services – including demographics, service providers, financing, and policy and regulation – and profiles innovative grantmaker programs.

Many foundations have shed away from funding in public policy in part because of confusion over federal tax rules governing lobbying for nonprofit organizations.  As a guide to foundations on funding in health policy, this publication is intended to clear up some of the misconceptions and help funders engage in public policy work.  It also presents examples of the range of public policy activities now being undertaken by health funders.

Based on a 1999 GIH meeting with experts in community health, research, and government, this Issue Brief examines prevention and women’s health. Taking an expansive definition of prevention, the report looks at health issues as they affect women across the life span. In addition to providing examples of various grantmaking strategies to improve women’s health, the report concludes with 21 lessons for health grantmakers.

When health is defined as the absence of illness and injury, youth fare well. But when that definition is broadened to include emotional, social, and environmental health issues, it becomes clear that youth face significant health problems and health risks. This Issue Brief highlights the work of grantmakers who are supporting mentoring as a strategy for addressing the root causes of adolescent health problems and promoting healthy youth development.