2027 GIH Annual Conference on Health Philanthropy

The 2027 Grantmakers In Health (GIH) Annual Conference on Health Philanthropy, will be held on June 28 – July 1, 2027 in Chicago, Illinois.

From meetings to movements: transforming health

Forty-five years ago, a small group of health funders came together to launch an organization to help them learn about important health issues and to learn from one another. Since then, Grantmakers In Health has been helping funders learn, connect, and grow through educational programming like the annual conference. Together, we have learned about the social drivers of health, the role of structural and systemic barriers to health, health inequities, and how to be better philanthropic partners with the communities we seek to help. As a result, health philanthropy has evolved, and outcomes have improved.

Unfortunately, recent unprecedented actions at the federal level threaten the progress of the last few decades, and countering these threats requires GIH and health funders to evolve once more. The moment requires us to develop new skills, break out of our silos, and work together in new ways.

Submit a Session Proposal!

The 2027 GIH annual conference is an important opportunity for health funders to come together to explore new ideas and innovative partnerships designed to help mobilize the field to achieve better health for all. GIH is looking for action-oriented session proposals that explore how funders are:

• Responding to the changing political and legal landscape, including policy changes, funding, and access to health and social services;
• Organizing and mobilizing within philanthropy to advance health and equity;
• Strengthening foundation governance and leadership in uncertain times;
• Supporting communications and narrative change work;
• Improving and reimagining our health system;
• Empowering communities and fostering collaboration across sectors;
• Responding to continued attacks on health equity and diversity, equity, and inclusion;
• Defending against threats to philanthropic giving; and
• Investing in innovative work in the Chicagoland region.

Learn More Submit a Proposal

Continue Learning from The Last Conference

Reports and plenary recordings from the 2026 conference are posted! Watch the Opening Plenary: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Health, learn the importance of Getting in Formation: Organizing for the Future, get inspired by the remarks from the Terrance Keenan and Andy Hyman Awards Winners, and don’t miss the closing panel: How Can I Reach You? Building Trust Through Communication to Enable Change.

Click here to watch and explore resources from the 2026 event

Prior Conference Resources