Scan of the Field: Foundation Strategies to Promote Healthy Eating and Active Living Healthy Eating/Active Living Funders Network Breakfast March 6, 2014 Presented by Eileen Salinsky

Purpose of Scan Characterize health foundations’ strategic approach to healthy eating and active living (HEAL) goals in order to: – Guide GIH programming – Inform the field of philanthropy regarding prevailing practices and emerging trends Funded by The Colorado Health Foundation 2

Methods: Selection of Foundations Drew random sample of 29 Funding Partners stratified by geographic focus – National – State – Local Supplemented with four foundations known to be highly active in HEAL grantmaking – Three national funders – One state funder 3

GIH Funding Partners and Scan Sample by Geographic Focus 4

Methods: Information Collection Reviewed materials publicly available through foundation websites Conducted semi-structured interviews with foundation staff between January and October, – Three foundations declined interviews 5

HEAL Grantmaking is Widespread 6

Levels of Investment Vary Among HEAL Funders 7

Number of Funders Prioritizing HEAL Has Increased 8

Nature of Strategic Approach Healthy eating and active living typically viewed as tightly linked priorities Most emphasize needs of children Diverse activities reported, but interventions in schools most prevalent 9

HEAL Funders Support a Wide Range of Interventions 10

HEAL Strategies Have Evolved Over Time Most respondents report moving to “more targeted” grantmaking, including: – Concentrating funding among a smaller number of grantees – Emphasizing synergy among grantees – Developing stronger capacity in and relationships with grantees – Increasing focus on policy and environmental change 11

Assessing Impact Most respondents view HEAL grants as effective investments – Some questions raised about built environment investments Governing boards have adopted a long-term view for assessing performance Most HEAL funders(~75 %) evaluate all or some HEAL grants About one-third of HEAL funders have identified clear metrics for assessing HEAL portfolio 12

Common Challenges Grantee capacity Commitment of public-sector partners Economic pressures 13

Future Plans HEAL funders anticipate a long-term commitment to this work Continued evolution is likely as field becomes increasingly adept at: – identifying effective interventions and – building partnerships 14

Discussion Topics How do the strategic directions identified in the scan compare to the experiences of your foundation? How are you measuring progress towards HEAL goals? What challenges need to be addressed to advance HEAL goals? 15

Wrap-up What? – What messages stood out to you? So What? – Why are these issues important? Now What? – What actions are needed to move this work forward? 16

Questions or Comments? Feel free to contact me: 17