10/2/2025 Update:Due to the federal government shutdown, our federal government colleagues were unable to attend this meeting. GIH and NRHA co-hosted the Tribal Health Funders Workshop and Annual Meeting, and the meetings proceeded as scheduled.
Grantmakers In Health (GIH), the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy, the National Rural Health Association, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Office of Rural Health co-hosted the 2025 Rural Health Philanthropy Partnership Meeting, Enhancing Rural Health Across Lifespan through Collaboration and Partnership, welcoming foundations, federal entities, and other partners to discuss how our combined efforts might produce better health outcomes for rural communities. This year’s meeting was October 8-10, 2025 in Bethesda, Maryland.
We spotlighted creative partnerships and community-based efforts that touch on rural health challenges and opportunities across the full lifespan of rural residents, while highlighting foundational federal programs that align with the theme. Meeting sessions featured initiatives on aging and end of life services, highlighted early childhood programming, discussed ways to support rural families, and explored the impact of the Older Americans Act on rural communities.
This yearly meeting was intended for foundations, corporate giving programs, and individual donors who have activities or programs dedicated to rural health care. Participants had the opportunity to connect with one another, share ideas, and discuss how combined efforts can produce better outcomes for rural communities. Participants heard from speakers from government agencies and rural health leaders, networked with peers, and learned about ongoing engagements occurring throughout rural America.
Before the meeting, funders attended the preconference Tribal Health Funders Workshop. This event took place the afternoon of October 8th, 2025, at the Marriott HQ Hotel in Bethesda, Maryland and kicked off the Rural Health Philanthropy Partnership Meeting (October 8-10). The purpose of this workshop was to improve our understanding of tribal health issues and identify ways to enhance partnerships to support Tribal Nations and Native-led work.
About the Rural Health Philanthropy Partnership
The Rural Health Philanthropy Partnership is a joint effort of the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP), Grantmakers In Health (GIH), the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Office of Rural Health (CDC ORH) to provide an annual forum for philanthropies, federal staff, and select rural health partners to explore emerging rural health issues and opportunities to enhance health in rural America.
The partnership is open to any philanthropy with an interest in rural populations. Please contact ruralhealthphil@hrsa.gov for more information on joining. A list of participating foundations and trusts is available.
