Giving Voice: The Power of Grassroots Advocacy in Shaping Public Policy
Within advocacy work, there exists a wide spectrum of strategies that can be employed to change or shape public policy. Yet, too often, nonprofit health organizations tend to limit themselves to a narrow range of strategies that typically includes education, policy/data analysis, and limited legislative advocacy. While these strategies are important to public policy work, they may not be enough to influence policymakers in today’s increasingly special interest and ideological-driven political system.
The Role of Philanthropy in Implementing Federal Health Reform
In March 2010 President Obama signed both the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act into law. These two laws will dramatically affect the health insurance system and the delivery of care in America.
Paving the Way for Change: Implementing CLASS
The historic passage of the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was in many ways a homerun for health advocates who have been working toward meaningful reform for decades. The new law lays the groundwork for sweeping changes in the American health care system, expanding access, coverage, and personal responsibility for care suited to individual needs.
Lights, Camera, Take Action: Spotlighting Public Health for the Next Generation
What do zombies, “Salad Man,” and Academy Award-nominated director Gus Van Sant have in common? They have all played a role in Northwest Health Foundation’s efforts to bring the importance of a fully functioning public health system into the hearts and minds of the people – especially the youth – of Oregon.
Prison Diversion Programs: Compelling Social Investments for Foundations
As a relatively small, regional niche foundation, Staunton Farm Foundation reasoned that “improving behavioral health” was too broad an area for us to make a significant impact. Hence, the foundation chose to focus on criminal justice.
Building the Community Health Worker Field through Partnership and Innovation
Minnesota is home to the country’s largest Somali and
second-largest Hmong populations and has significant numbers of immigrants from Central and
South America, Asia, Africa, and Europe. It is also home to the
largest urban population of Native Americans. With many
cultures come many different beliefs on health and illness, and
treatment and prevention options.
Giving Voice to Oral Health in Kansas: Benefits of Long-Term Commitment
Someone recently used the term philanthropy du jour,
and it was not meant as a positive appellation. As a field,
we increasingly see longevity as virtue whether it comes
under the guise of general operating support, capacity building, or place-based or strategic grantmaking. The work of the
United Methodist Health Ministry Fund in a single field –
oral health – began in late 1998. My reflections attempt to
capture the results of this extended $11-million initiative.
Board Service: From in Perpetuity to Term Limits
Twenty-five years ago in 1985, The Health Foundation
of Greater Indianapolis was created with proceeds
from the sale of MetroHealth, one of the first
statewide, staff-model Health Maintenance Organizations
(HMOs). As an independent, not-for-profit grantmaker, the
foundation has been, and is still, dedicated to preserving and
enhancing the physical, mental, and social health of the
Greater Indianapolis community.