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Giving Voice: The Power of Grassroots Advocacy in Shaping Public Policy
Within advocacy work, there exists a wide spectrum of strategies that can be employed to change or shape public policy. Yet, too often, nonprofit health organizations tend to limit themselves to a narrow range of strategies that typically includes education, policy/data analysis, and limited legislative advocacy. While these strategies are important to public policy work, they may not be enough to influence policymakers in today’s increasingly special interest and ideological-driven political system.
Board Service: From in Perpetuity to Term Limits
Twenty-five years ago in 1985, The Health Foundation
of Greater Indianapolis was created with proceeds
from the sale of MetroHealth, one of the first
statewide, staff-model Health Maintenance Organizations
(HMOs). As an independent, not-for-profit grantmaker, the
foundation has been, and is still, dedicated to preserving and
enhancing the physical, mental, and social health of the
Greater Indianapolis community.
Honoring Community Voices to Enhance Health Grantmaking
In philanthropic circles we spend a lot of time discussing the importance of how foundations can meet the needs of and strengthen communities. We expect our grants and program support will prompt change and improve lives, but how often do we end up doing things “to” a community as opposed to working “with” a community to achieve common goals?
Doing a Lot with a Little: The Gulf Coast Fund
“Doing a Lot with a Little” is an occasional series of the GIH Bulletin showcasing small foundations that have creatively leveraged resources to achieve meaningful change.
Making Money in the Nonprofit Sector: Social Enterprises to Support Missions
During the economic downturn, America’s social sector organizations are rising to the challenge. One way in which organizations are investing in a more sustainable future is through social enterprise. The Social Enterprise Alliance (2009) defines a social enterprise as “an organization or venture that achieves its primary social or environmental mission using business methods.”
A National Foundation Undertakes a Regional Strategy in the South
The Health Reform Program of the Public Welfare Foundation supports advocacy so that the voices of the people served by the health care system can be informed and effective. Poverty, health disparities, and underfunded advocacy capacity describe the South.
Reports and Publications
Survey Findings: Perceptions of Health Funders
In July and August 2025, FGS Global conducted research on behalf of Grantmakers In Health (GIH) to help health funders better understand how they are viewed by the public. The research included an online survey of engaged voters nationwide and an online focus group with Washington, DC, policy professionals. An overview of the survey and online focus group findings is now available to all GIH Funding Partners.
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.




