2014 Fall Forum
Hamilton Crowne Plaza – Washington, DC
Each fall, GIH offers programming designed for funders with a strong interest in health policy. These meetings, collectively known as the Fall Forum, are an excellent opportunity for you to get up-to-speed on current issues, interact with leading thinkers, and connect with other grantmakers. Funders return home with a deeper understanding of important topics, an introduction to some key players, and ideas about how to apply what they’ve learned to their work.
Programming started November 5 with three concurrent strategy sessions—meetings sized to maximize opportunities for interaction and participation. On November 6, GIH convened the fifth annual Foundations and Health Reform and the second annual Lauren LeRoy Health Policy Lecture.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5
Registration and Continental Breakfast
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
One Size Does Not Fit All: Foundation Roles in Policy Change
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
An increasing number of health foundations view policy change as an important aspect of their mission, but priorities, strategic roles, and investment approaches vary considerably among funders. This session was designed to address the opportunities and challenges facing policy-engaged funders, while recognizing philanthropic diversity in terms of goals and activities. The agenda included a consideration of the ways funders are leveraging non-grant resources (such as in-house expertise and reputational assets) to advance policy change, an exploration of the implications of geographic focus (local, state, and national) on funders’ policy strategies, and a discussion of evaluation methods that support strategic learning regarding policy investments. The interactive nature of this small group meeting promoted candid conversation and collaboration among funders seeking to leverage the power of public policy to achieve improvements in population health.
Picking Up the Pace in Healthy Living Policy and Evaluation
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
In communities across the country, those working hard to promote healthy lifestyles and reverse the obesity epidemic are seeing promising signs of progress. However, there is still much work to be done. A recent GIH scan of the field found that public policy and evaluation are two areas where health funders can help make significant headway. This meeting enabled participants to explore federal, state, and local policy opportunities; engage in thoughtful debate about the role of government and industry in promoting change; learn innovative evaluation techniques and strategies; and consider how evaluation can better inform grantmaker investments and priorities.
Warrior Wellness: Promoting Health for Veterans and Military Families
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
This strategy session was an opportunity for grantmakers, researchers, government officials, and community partners to discuss how to most effectively support the health and wellness of veterans and military families. The agenda featured a series of conversations on integrative therapeutic approaches to address pain, trauma, and psychological health; how communities can successfully coordinate support services; and what gaps remain in physical, emotional, and behavioral health care. Participants had the chance to connect with funder colleagues, share strategic ideas, and discuss potential areas for cross-sector collaboration that promotes optimal healing and wellness.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6
Registration and Continental Breakfast
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Foundations and Health Reform
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
At the fifth annual Foundations and Health Reform meeting, GIH will focus on prevention, wellness, and patient engagement. Foundation support for new projects in these areas can be leveraged by stakeholders to incentivize disease prevention, support healthy lifestyles, and engage patients as vital members of their own health care teams. This aligns with health reform’s aspirational goal of empowering Americans to be as healthy as they can be. Funders learned about the latest developments in these areas, and discussed ways in which health philanthropy can further these goals in support of and partnership with health care policy. The day-long meeting included presentations from health policy leaders and small-group breakout sessions in which grantmakers will share their ideas and experience with their peers, and collaborate to define the direction of future and ongoing grantmaking.
As part of Foundations and Health Reform, Larry Kramer, President of The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, delivered the second annual Lauren LeRoy Health Policy Lecture. The Hewlett Foundation’s $50-million Madison Initiative is a bold effort to tackle the problem of political polarization, with a special focus on the U.S. Congress. Kramer discussed the initiative and the role of philanthropy in moving policy processes.
Networking Reception
4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
REGISTRATION
**Registration is closed.**
Registration Fees
GIH Funding Partners: $200 for one day | $350 for both days
Non-Funding Partners: $400 for one day | $700 for both days