Upcoming Events
Philanthropy’s Role in Protecting Public Health
In recent months, negative sentiment and rhetoric against our country’s public health system has led to a variety of policy decisions, ranging from defunding local public health departments to undercutting and dismantling key systems and infrastructure. These actions will have profound and far-reaching consequences for our nation’s health. Join this call to discuss the impact of recent state and federal actions on local health departments, how health funders are investing in their communities’ public health, and what grantmakers can do to protect public health. Speakers include Lori Freeman of National Association of County & City Health Officials, Avital Havusha of New York Health Foundation, and Brian Williams of Missouri Foundation for Health.
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? Join this informal roundtable discussion to connect with your peers, explore pressing issues, and share your experiences to engage communities in setting funders’ policy priorities.
On this webinar, we will hear 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.
CEO Working Group Webinar
Grantmakers In Health is pleased to convene the CEO Working Group to discuss challenges in our work and opportunities for collaboration as we move forward to achieve our health missions under the new administration.
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? Participants joined this informal roundtable discussion to connect with your peers, explore pressing issues, and share your experiences to engage communities in setting funders’ policy priorities. Agenda forthcoming.
Medicaid Messaging
As Congress deliberates on Medicaid spending cuts, clear and impactful communication with stakeholders is more important than ever. By sharing real stories, data, and community impact, funders and their grantees can help policymakers understand the consequences of funding reductions and promote informed decision-making. It also helps the general public understand what is at stake, mobilizes communities to advocate for their needs, and ensures vulnerable populations are aware of how policy shifts may affect their health coverage. During this webinar, we heard how funders can lift up the voices of those most affected. Speakers included Alison Betty of alignco, Rob Davidson of the Committee to Protect Health Care, Lisa Fitzpatrick of Grapevine Health, and Jessie Mandle of the Healthy Schools Campaign.
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.
Funder Approaches to Addressing the Critical Connection Between Youth Mental Wellness and Financial Wellness
Curious about the connection between mental well-being and financial security during adolescence and young adulthood?
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, most mental health conditions are diagnosed during the same life stage when young people are building the skills and accessing opportunities that shape their financial futures. Mental and financial well-being are deeply interconnected—each influences and reinforces the other.
When young people experience mental wellness, they’re better equipped to manage money, handle stress, make informed decisions, and seek help when needed. At the same time, financial security reduces one of the most common sources of stress that can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Yet, despite these strong linkages, funders often treat mental health and financial well-being as separate priorities.
State of the Union for the Disability Community
The current U.S. landscape for people with disabilities is growing more complex as changes to critical policies such as Medicaid and Social Security are being proposed and enacted. Join us for a “state of the union” briefing and discussion on disability priorities that highlights both the current realities and the actions needed to improve access, quality, and outcomes. Speakers include Sandy Ho of Disability & Philanthropy Forum, Dom Kelly of New Disabled South, Sean Jackson of Disability Rights Texas, and Mai Pham of Institute for Exceptional Care. Cosponsored with Disability & Philanthropy Forum and WITH Foundation.
Foundations Take Action on Medicaid
Congress is considering significant cuts to Medicaid as part of the budget reconciliation process being used to advance the new administration’s legislative priorities. Cuts to Medicaid funding would dramatically impact the 80 million people served by the program today. This webinar provided an overview of potential federal policy changes to Medicaid and considerations for foundations and corporate giving programs as they consider how to take action in their communities. The webinar featured a panel discussion with the leadership of state foundations to highlight their key initiatives and collaborations on Medicaid defense. Speakers included Patti Boozang of Manatt Health, Heather Howard of State Health and Value Strategies, Kaitlyn Kenney Walsh of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation, Sheldon Weisgrau of Missouri Foundation for Health, and Aaron Wernham of Montana Healthcare Foundation.
Social Security is for Everyone – And Philanthropy Plays An Important Role
Social Security turns 90 this year with nearly four generations of Americans rightfully counting on social security as a part of their economic plan. It is not just for older adults but also supports children and families in the event of disability and death. However, the program currently faces a long-term financing gap which, if unaddressed, will result in across-the-board benefit cuts of approximately 15 percent. There are workable solutions and this new survey from National Academy of Social Insurance, supported by RRF Foundation on Aging, tested vetted options to understand what components people most value, would like increased and could be decreased.
Policy Briefing: Threats to Food and Nutrition Programs in Budget Reconciliation
The House and Senate continue to work on a budget reconciliation. On April 10, the House narrowly passed the Senate’s version of a budget blueprint, calling on Congressional committees to slash billions of dollars from programs within their jurisdictions including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), school meal supports like the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), and Medicaid in exchange for tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy. The House and Senate will determine the final tax and spending levels by agency and program in committee debates in coming months. In this session, experts from the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) will provide an up to the moment analysis of how federal budget reconciliation impacts food and nutrition programs, the tie into Farm Bill negotiations, and ultimately, what these policy decisions mean for the health and well-being of children, families, and communities across the country. Experts will also highlight how advocates are organizing in support of these crucial programs, FRAC’s advocacy resources, and how funders can support this work. Please note this session will not be recorded. Notes and key takeaways will be shared with registrants.
CEO Working Group Webinar
Grantmakers In Health is pleased to have convened the CEO Working Group on April 28 at 1:00 p.m. ET to discuss challenges in our work and opportunities for collaboration as we move forward to achieve our health missions under the new administration. These calls were open to GIH Funding Partner CEOs, Presidents, Executive Directors, or the highest-ranking health staff at multi-issue foundations.
On this webinar, we were joined by Dr. Rich Besser, President and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, on the topic of funders communicating their values and using their voice during these critical times. We were also joined by a strategic communications firm to discuss approaches and resources for that work. Philanthropic leaders then had the opportunity to share information, swap strategies, raise concerns, and ask for one another’s advice.