Upcoming Webinars
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.
Roundtable Discussion: Health Funders Communication and Policy Staff
Grantmakers in Health is pleased to host a second joint call for the GIH Policy Staff Learning Community and the GIH Communications Staff Learning Community. We will discuss the importance of communicating about policy changes in meaningful ways that engage communities and partners. In this informal conversation, we will swap strategies, illuminate solutions, and make connections. We will also use the time to dig in on a topic that was raised during the January 27 call: supporting policy, messaging, or other work related to the upcoming elections (such as governors’ races, mid-terms, ballot initiatives, etc.).
GIH Webinar Recordings and Resources
Medicaid: Threats and Responses
As Congress deliberates federal spending cuts, Medicaid is under imminent threat. Legislative proposals are being discussed that may severely cap or cut Medicaid, particularly affecting children, seniors, and the disabled population. On this webinar, participants learned about current threats to the program, including renewed interest in Medicaid work requirement policies. Funders had the opportunity to hear about the latest research and discuss how philanthropy is responding in this moment. Speakers included Stephen Kaye of the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund; Larry Levitt of KFF; and Mona Shah of Community Catalyst.
Health Care Policy in 2025: Appropriations, Budget Reconciliation, and More
During this webinar, experts from Leavitt Partners will explain the distinction between the appropriations and budget processes and recent developments, including FY2025 appropriations and possible changes to mandatory funding, such as Medicaid and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Leavitt Partners will discuss how these changes may impact health funders’ work and possible opportunities to engage.
Democracy and Philanthropy in These Times
What do attacks on trans rights have to do with voting rights for Black communities? How is birthright citizenship linked to the unfinished work of Reconstruction and equality under the law? And why are laws and practices protecting reproductive justice central to all of it? These aren’t just academic questions—they’re the battle lines of our…
Ballot Measures: Advancing Health Policy through Direct Democracy
The citizen-initiative process, also known as direct democracy, gives the people the power to directly propose and pass new laws or constitutional amendments (depending on the state) by putting them up for a vote at the statewide or local level. 25 U.S. states and the District of Columbia allow for citizen-initiated ballot measures, which have been used to advance a broad range of health policy goals, including reproductive rights, Medicaid expansion, gun safety reform, minimum wage increases, and paid leave. This webinar explored recent ballot initiative campaigns and highlight the roles of health funders in building community power through direct democracy. Speakers included Chris Melody Fields Figueredo of the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center, Becky Gould of Nebraska Appleseed, and Ashley Dietz of the Florida Philanthropic Network.
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.
CDC Injury Center at Risk – What’s Ahead?
This webinar examined the Injury Center’s vital activities, explored potential threats to future capacity, and considers the role of health funders in supporting the Injury Center’s continued ability to track trends, conduct research, raise awareness, and implement prevention programs in partnership with states, localities, tribes, and nonprofit organizations.