Webinars
Navigating Birth Justice and Reproductive Equity in Precarious Times: Insights, Challenges, and Strategies for Funders
VirtualThe birth justice and reproductive equity landscape in the U.S. has continued to shift following the 2022 Dobbs ruling, which overturned Roe v. Wade. In addition to reduced abortion access, communities, birthing people, and the partners working with them are facing growing challenges to reproductive and perinatal care—including uncertainty around Medicaid and other public funding critical to sustaining services.
This webinar will bring together health funders to share insights, experiences, and challenges encountered while supporting this work in an evolving landscape. The discussion will focus on how s funders are navigating the legal, policy, and funding changes and their investments that center the dignity, safety, and autonomy of birthing people and their communities.
Please note this webinar will not be recorded as we want this to be a safe space for a candid discussion.
Health Care Policy in 2025: Medicaid, SNAP, and the Excise Tax
VirtualDuring this webinar, experts from Leavitt Partners shared the latest developments in health care policy under the new administration. Speakers included Laura Pence and Sara Singleton of Leavitt Partners. On this call, presenters covered where things stand with the budget reconciliation process, and dive into three important issues: Medicaid, SNAP, and the proposed excise tax increase on foundations.
Medicaid Messaging
VirtualAs Congress deliberates on Medicaid spending cuts, clear and impactful communication with stakeholders is more important than ever. By sharing real stories, data, and community impact, funders and their grantees can help policymakers understand the consequences of funding reductions and promote informed decision-making. It also helps the general public understand what is at stake, mobilizes communities to advocate for their needs, and ensures vulnerable populations are aware of how policy shifts may affect their health coverage. During this webinar, we heard how funders can lift up the voices of those most affected. Speakers included Alison Betty of alignco, Rob Davidson of the Committee to Protect Health Care, Lisa Fitzpatrick of Grapevine Health, and Jessie Mandle of the Healthy Schools Campaign.
Philanthropy’s Role in Protecting Public Health
VirtualIn recent months, negative sentiment and rhetoric against our country’s public health system has led to a variety of policy decisions, ranging from defunding local public health departments to undercutting and dismantling key systems and infrastructure. These actions will have profound and far-reaching consequences for our nation’s health. Join this call to discuss the impact of recent state and federal actions on local health departments, how health funders are investing in their communities’ public health, and what grantmakers can do to protect public health. Speakers include Lori Freeman of National Association of County & City Health Officials, Avital Havusha of New York Health Foundation, and Brian Williams of Missouri Foundation for Health.
Roundtable Discussion for Health Funders’ Policy Staff
VirtualA growing number of health funders employ staff whose responsibilities focus exclusively or predominantly on public policy engagement. Do you lead your organization’s policy or government affairs work? Join this informal roundtable discussion to connect with your peers, explore pressing issues, and share your experiences to engage communities in setting funders’ policy priorities.
On this webinar, we will hear from Sean McCluskie, Former Chief of Staff at the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), regarding his reflections on the current health policy environment, as well as his advice for funders engaging in policy.