Communications Resources
Foundations and other charitable organizations are facing increasing communications challenges related to their work. Grantmakers In Health (GIH) has developed resources for funders to help them create their own crisis and strategic communications strategies and learn best practices.
Crisis and Issues Management Playbook for Funders
This Crisis and Issues Management Playbook is intended as a guide to support Grantmakers In Health Funding Partners in both individual and collective approaches to crisis moments.
Crisis Response Toolkit—Being Prepared: Emerging Threats to Health Philanthropy
Recently, a regional health foundation was highlighted on social media by an account that described itself as being “inspired by DOGE.” The specific areas this account raised for critique were taken from publicly available information, including the organization’s 990 Form and its website.
Crisis Readiness Resources
We encourage GIH Funding Partners to prepare or review their crisis communications strategies and legal response plans for potential actions by the administration against philanthropy or nonprofits.
Philanthropy’s New Voice: Building Trust With Deeper Stories and Clear Language
The Council on Foundation’s report offers science-backed strategies for foundations to build understanding and trust, starting with the words they use and the stories they tell.
Upcoming Events about Crisis Communication
Protecting the Freedom to Give
November 18 – 21, 2025 • Arlington, VA
The GIH Health Policy Exchange provides policy-engaged funders with information on current issues, access to leading thinkers, and connections with grantmaking peers. This year’s theme is Protecting the Freedom to Give. Against a backdrop of recent federal funding cuts, executive orders, and threats to philanthropy, it is more important than ever for health funders to educate, advocate, and collaborate to support the people, places, and things that are important to us.