MCF’s third webinar in our 2012 grantmaking outlook series focused on funding for health. We reviewed recent trends in health giving and the subject area outlook for 2012. Then Bill King, MCF president, discussed health grantmaking with Jacob Gayle, vice president and executive director, Medtronic Foundation, and Joan Oswald, grants specialist, Miller-Dwan Foundation.
These health philanthropy leaders emphasized the importance of addressing disparities in health access and outcomes. Gayle described Medtronic’s focus: “We are trying to enable greater access to healthcare for populations that otherwise have been left out.”
He added, “We always have to keep diversity in the fore of our minds as we do funding. If we find we are missing some segment of the population, we will reach out to partners for recommendations on how to address that.”
Both grantmakers expressed strongly that philanthropy’s role should not be to fill gaps in public sector funding. Oswald noted, “There is just no way one philanthropic organization or even a partnership could tackle healthcare costs covered by the public sector.”
Gayle commented, “Philanthropy is able to go into areas that are unproven. We can make longer-term and sustained commitments to grantees. And philanthropy has the flexibility to make mistakes and learn from them. It’s not the role of philanthropy to step in where others have grown weary of funding. It’s to play the innovative, out-of-the-box partner.”
Both Gayle and Oswald see grantmakers becoming even more strategic as they seek to leverage grant dollars for meaningful results. As funding stays flat, Oswald said, it’s important to stick to goals. “We are working diligently to assure our funding is very targeted and a really clear match for our priorities.”
Gayle noted that Medtronic Foundation is focused on developing and strengthening health systems. “Much of our funding is going toward overall policy articulation and advocacy, development of the health infrastructure, and strengthening of healthcare deliverers, as opposed to direct services,” he explained.
Nonprofits that find the current fundraising environment challenging can look for creative ways to finance their programs. Gayle suggested: “Think about nontraditional sources of funding — local companies, other service organizations, fraternities and sororities, or professional organizations can provide as much – or even more – support than local philanthropies.” He added that sometimes health causes are perceived as social services. So see if what you’re trying to fund is defined differently by different organizations.
When approaching grantmakers, nonprofits should do their homework, but be ready to have an open conversation. Oswald noted, “Be at your very best. Really clearly explain what you’re looking for and how that fits with our priorities. When the pieces all fall into place, we are absolutely willing to work with you, even if you are completely unfamiliar with the grantmaking process.”
And Gayle encouraged nonprofits, “Take a chance. Don’t let a ‘no’ ever stop you.”
Last Outlook Webinar to Focus on Arts, Culture and Humanities
The final Outlook webinar, taking place on February 7, will delve deeply into arts funding. It will feature conversations with grantmakers from Minnesota Philanthropy Partners and The McKnight Foundation.
Register today to learn more about Minnesota’s funding landscape in 2012!
-Anne Bauers, MCF research manager
Posted by abauers 
