2026 GIH Annual Conference on Health Philanthropy
Every year, GIH brings together the bright minds, seasoned experts, and innovative practitioners working in health philanthropy to discuss the important issues facing the field.
GIH Health Policy Exchange 2025
The multi-day conference will provide opportunities for health funders focused on policy to network with policymakers and other funders, exchange ideas and best practices, and identify opportunities for collaboration. This year’s Health Policy Exchange will be held on November 19 – 21, 2025, at The Westin Arlington in Arlington, VA and will delve into how health philanthropy should address the unique policy challenges posed by our current moment.
Roundtable Discussion for Health Funders’ Policy Staff
A 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? In this informal roundtable discussion, we connected with peers, explored pressing issues, and shared experiences to engage communities in setting funders’ policy priorities.
On this webinar, we heard 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.
Health Care Policy in 2025: Medicaid, SNAP, and the Excise Tax
During 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: Threats and Responses
As Congress deliberates federal spending cuts, Medicaid is under imminent threat. Legislative proposals are being discussed that may severely cap or cut Medicaid, particularly affecting children, seniors, and the disabled population. On this webinar, participants learned about current threats to the program, including renewed interest in Medicaid work requirement policies. Funders had the opportunity to hear about the latest research and discuss how philanthropy is responding in this moment. Speakers included Stephen Kaye of the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund; Larry Levitt of KFF; and Mona Shah of Community Catalyst.