November 9 – 11, 2026 | Arlington, VA
Regardless of the outcome of the 2026 midterm elections, the landscape of health policy in the United States will be shaped by recent political realities—and the stakes could not be higher. Threats to Medicaid, SNAP, and the broader safety net, rising challenges to democratic institutions, and a public health infrastructure under strain make improving health outcomes more difficult and more urgent than ever. Philanthropy has a critical role to play in supporting communities and charting a path forward that alters systems and policies to ensure that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to achieve their highest level of health.
The 2026 Grantmakers In Health (GIH) Health Policy Exchange will provide space to assess the post-election environment, identify where investment and action are most urgently needed, and explore ways health funders can mobilize to advance health and well-being for all at the federal, state, and local levels.
This year’s Health Policy Exchange will be held November 9 – 11, 2026, at The Westin Arlington in Arlington, VA.
We will begin on Monday, November 9 at 2pm with an opening plenary that offers reflections on the recent elections and explores opportunities to capitalize on the forward momentum philanthropy has built since 2025.
The second day will focus on some of the most pressing issues facing communities and health systems, including Medicaid, SNAP, public health, and democracy. Through expert-led discussions and interactive sessions, attendees will identify priority issues around which philanthropy can organize for meaningful impact in 2027.
The final day will spotlight the unique health challenges and opportunities facing older adults and rural communities and conclude with a networking lunch designed to foster collaboration and strengthen relationships across the field.
Following the conference, health funder CEOs are invited to a special workshop to explore the challenges and opportunities ahead. Building on themes raised throughout the Health Policy Exchange, including the defense of democracy and preserving the safety net, this discussion will focus on identifying shared priorities, strengthening collective leadership, and defining opportunities for coordinated action.
Lauren LeRoy Lecture
The Health Policy Exchange features the Lauren LeRoy lecture, a lecture series established in honor of former GIH President and CEO Lauren LeRoy and her commitment to increasing communication between the worlds of philanthropy and policy.
Last year's speaker was Keshia Pollack Porter, Dean of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Support the 2026 Health Policy Exchange
Mission-aligned organizations that are seeking visibility with influencers, leaders, and decisionmakers in health philanthropy and policy fields may partner with us to support event activities including breakfasts, coffee breaks, and lunches.
We invite your organization to consider a sponsorship.
The Health Policy Exchange is an excellent opportunity for grantmakers to:
Get up-to-speed on current policy issues
Past meetings have addressed areas ranging from access to civic engagement and youth violence prevention.
Interact with leading thinkers
Hear diverse perspectives from cutting-edge experts in the field.
Connect with one another
Collaborate with peers around the country working on the issues that matter most to you.
Prior Years
Learn more about our prior health policy exchanges, watch plenary videos, explore meeting highlights, and access related resources and materials.
Prior to the launch of the Health Policy Exchange in 2024, GIH’s annual policy conference was known as the Fall Forum.
