Grantmakers In Health President and CEO Cara V. James participated in a June 22, 2023 Aspen Ideas: Health panel entitled “How Philanthropies Influence the Nation’s Health.” Other speakers included Elliot Gerson, Executive Vice President, The Aspen Institute; Joseph Betancourt, President, The Commonwealth Fund; Sandra Hernandez, President and CEO, California Health Care Foundation; and Mark Miller, Executive Vice President of Health Care, Arnold Ventures.
Constrained neither by the private sector’s quest for profit nor the political structure of government, foundations have tremendous leeway to pioneer ideas, pilot novel strategies, and pivot to meet unanticipated needs. Philanthropic funds can influence the health agenda by informing policy, advancing cutting-edge research, contributing to thriving communities, supporting workforce training, reducing disparities, and promoting access to care. The work requires a willingness to gamble, a commitment to untangling knotty problems, and the capacity to see around corners, accept disappointment, and continually adapt. Cultivating inclusive partnerships helps make all that possible. Hear from the leaders of major philanthropies about how they make the tough choices on where to focus their efforts and place their bets.