Governance and Operations

“Our approach to grantmaking in health has been deeply shaped by our choice to spend down, and all for the better. I welcome the chance to connect with others considering how having an end date can transform their work and that of their partners. For us, spending down has liberated us to drastically increase the amount we can spend to advance health equity in Hawai’i and the San Francisco Bay AreaOur approach to grantmaking in health has been deeply shaped by our choice to spend down, and all for the better. I welcome the chance to connect with others considering how having an end date can transform their work and that of their partners. For us, spending down has liberated us to drastically increase the amount we can spend to advance health equity in Hawai’i and the San Francisco Bay Area.”

“There is never a shortage of needs in the communities we serve, but the health-related issues during the past few years have challenged our team to think creatively, expansively, and collaboratively. We believe private philanthropy should take risks and implement strategies to meet immediate health needs more efficiently and effectively. Being part of a community like GIH—which allows for the sharing of ideas, successes, and lessons learned—has been invaluable.”

“The approach for Black Women Thriving is imperative now because we haven’t seen the disparities reduce over time. And in fact, the disparities are increasing. Black women are the core of the community. They’re the decisionmakers in their families, and the caretakers in the community. Finding the best approach to lift up their lives and their voice, improve their health outcomes and economic mobility, will have an economic and social benefit across communities. So, it’s something that we must do, and we can’t ignore any longer.”

“Philanthropy is the catalyst that holds the key to unlocking the boundless potential of communities, setting in motion a powerful ripple effect of positive change that elevates the quality of life, enhances health outcomes, and fosters lasting prosperity. Investing in crucial areas such as educational opportunities, equitable health care access, and economic empowerment initiatives can bridge gaps and pave the way for a future where prosperity knows no boundaries. Through strategic philanthropic endeavors, we have the transformative ability to uplift entire communities. By fostering a culture of giving and collaboration, philanthropy becomes a driving force behind building a society where compassion, empathy, and collective action reign.”

“Philanthropy can and should be the risk capital for social good. In this field, we are positioned to be bold and to stretch for love, justice, health, community, and humanity. We can take the risks that many organizations can’t, and we can use our funds and our power to do the work, but not control the work. It is not always the size of the grants that we give out that make the most impact—it’s the doors we open, the tables where we give up our seats to voices who need to be heard, the new tables, structures, and systems we build in partnership with those most impacted by the issues we’re working to address, and the trust we build with our community partners through longevity, relationship, and consistency—that allow for the work that is needed to happen in our communities, to happen meaningfully and sustainably.”