GIH Bulletin

Philanthropy bridges people, organizations, and communities, and the value of this is especially critical in the South, a region with rich cultural texture, a robust network of grassroots initiatives, and a history of complex challenges.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation (Detroit) is funding a new initiative to address the needs of military personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and the community.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation (Durham) announced a partnership with the North Carolina Council of Churches (Raleigh) to provide equipment for 20 faith-based organizations to bring healthier food to their members and communities.

Aetna Foundation (Hartford, CT) made a $100,00 gift to the Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) (Hampton, VA) to support victims of the Boston Marathon bombing and the recent fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas.

Austin Bailey Health and Wellness Foundation (Canton, OH) approved grant requests totaling $173,950 to 14 nonprofit organizations located in Ohio’s four-county area that encompasses Holmes, Stark, Tuscarawas, and Wayne counties.

Philosophers and sociologists have written about the essential role social engagement and good connections between people play in building strong communities. At this year’s annual meeting I was reminded of this by all three plenary speakers.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation (Detroit) awarded two research grants to physicians from the University of Michigan to conduct pilot studies.

BHHS Legacy Foundation (Phoenix, AZ) awarded more than $4.6 million in grants to Arizona nonprofits to support health-related programs.

In 2011 Grantmakers In Health (GIH), with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, launched the GIH State Grant Writing Assistance Fund.