Upcoming Webinars
SNAP Funder Working Group: Food Security Data Collection
Our upcoming Working Group Call will focus on data collection opportunities following USDA’s decision to terminate the Economic Research Service’s (ERS) Household Food Security Survey. For more than 30 years, this survey provided the nation’s most consistent measure of food security, shaping our collective understanding of the drivers of food insecurity and informing key food and nutrition policy decisions. No existing data source offers the same level of insight, and its loss will make it harder to assess the impacts of H.R. 1’s SNAP cuts. Experts from the Capital Area Food Bank, Healthy Eating Research, and the Urban Institute will discuss why continued data collection—using consistent methods and metrics—matters and how funders can support this work.
Values, Voice, and H.R. 1: When Should Foundations Speak Out?
The stakes for health remain high in 2026 as implementation of H.R. 1 ushers in harmful changes to health and social safety net programs. Foundations are increasingly speaking publicly about the damaging effects of these and other federal actions on the health of communities. This webinar will explore when and how to issue a public statement. Chrystal Okonta, Director of FGS Global’s Health team, will discuss key factors when crafting a public statement such as urgency, mission alignment, and organizational capacity. Kerry Jones Waring, Vice President for Communications at the Health Foundation for Western and Central New York, will share the foundation’s decision process, advice for crafting messages, and managing feedback.
GIH Webinar Recordings and Resources
CEO Working Group Webinar: August Convening
Grantmakers In Health was 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. Experts provided an overview of recent legislation, the impact on health and health care, and what foundation leaders can do to support communities and nonprofits in the next six months. Speakers included Joan Alker of Georgetown Children and Families and Sara Singleton of Leavitt Partners.
Health Care Policy in 2025: What Comes Next?
President Trump signed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” into law on July 4, 2025, enacting historic cuts to Medicaid, the ACA marketplace, SNAP, and more – via work requirements, copays, and stricter eligibility verifications. According to analysis from the Congressional Budget Office, the new law will increase the number of people without health insurance in the United States by 11.8 million by 2034. Health policy experts warn that these changes will exacerbate health access issues, worsen health disparities, and threaten the financial viability of rural hospitals. In this webinar, experts from Leavitt Partners provided an overview of the recent legislation, the impact on health and health care, and what foundations can do to support communities and nonprofits in the next six months. Speakers included Laura Pence, and Sara Singleton from Leavitt Partners, and Kristina Ramos Callan from Health Management Associates.
GIA Member Meetup: Public Funding Cuts & Philanthropy
Cohosted with Grantmakers In Aging
We discussed how philanthropy is responding to public funding cuts. Funders shared what their organizations are doing to support grantees that are being impacted by reductions in public funding. Finally, we brainstormed strategies with other funders and shared how GIA and GIH can help.
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? In this informal roundtable discussion, we connected with peers, explored pressing issues, and shared experiences to engage communities in setting funders’ policy priorities.
On this webinar, we heard 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.
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.
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.