A Philanthropic Tree of Life: Seeding Health Equity through Influence and Innovation
Philanthropy can function as a living ecosystem for change rooted in equity, nourished by trust, and bearing the fruits of community well-being. The Direct Relief Fund for Health Equity (DRFHE), launched with $50 million in initial investments, exemplifies a transformative philanthropic model supporting nearly 200 community-based organizations across the United States. Acknowledging DRFHE as a “Tree of Life” offers a framework grounded in community-led, trust-based, and unrestricted giving that challenges traditional philanthropic paradigms. Therefore, this article describes the fund’s origins, strategic priorities, and outcomes, and introduces the DRFHE Tree of Life framework as a replicable model for equity-driven philanthropy.
Pottstown Regional Community Foundation: August 2025
The Pottstown Regional Community Foundation (PRCF) will launch its 2025 Fall Grant Round. For this final grant round of the calendar year, the foundation prioritizes organizations that demonstrate clear alignment with PRCF’s Results Framework and have not yet received an award this calendar year. Competitive requests will be supported by goals stated in community and regional plans and address needs communicated in foundation or other research studies.
Cara V. James Speaks Up on Federal Disruption with Inside Philanthropy
Grantmakers In Health (GIH) President and CEO Cara V. James was interviewed for an Inside Philanthropy article published on April 30, 2025. The piece outlines philanthropy’s reactions to the sweeping cuts to public health infrastructure in the United States, the consequences of these cuts, and the importance of remaining committed to our values.
New Grantmakers In Health Survey Finds a Significant Growth in Firearm Violence Prevention Investments Among Health Funders
Washington, DC, March 14, 2025—At a time when firearm violence is a leading cause of death for children and teens, a new Grantmakers In Health survey of health funding organizations found that philanthropic investments in firearm violence prevention are growing in terms of both the number of funders supporting this work and the dollar amounts…
Let’s Take Courageous Steps Together in 2025
At the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust, this has been a challenging year for North Carolina, where we live and work. Hurricane Helene devastated the western part of NC and the surrounding region, and we endured an election that divided our state and nation.
We also know that we are not alone facing the challenges of 2024 and those we will take on in 2025. Many of us in the Grantmakers In Health (GIH) community are wondering how to persevere through these uncertain times. At the Trust, we acknowledge the heaviness of the moment—because we anticipate policy changes that will negatively impact people who are already being left behind.