I am thrilled to bring you this episode! I have known Dr. Nelson for a long time and have deep respect for his lifelong commitment to health equity. He has led Healthcare Georgia Foundation for nearly 20 years, overseeing many grantmaking initiatives including the Foundation's Two Georgia's initiative and Health Impact Investing. The Foundation is "Grounded in Science, built on Partnerships, and focused on Results."
"Results matter to those we serve." Dr. Nelson argues that although the nonprofit sector is "woefully under-resourced, we can't afford to waste a dollar. Lives are at stake." The work is too important to rely on "feel good philanthropy." More than ever, the Foundation is focused on the social determinants of health and achieving health equity. In this conversation, we talk about the work of the Foundation, but also funders' role in the pursuit of making communities more equitable. COVID has certainly shown a light on these inequities and Gary shares how the Foundation has pivoted their funding to meet the needs of communities during the pandemic.
We also talk about the importance of evaluation and the what it takes for nonprofits and foundations to create a culture of learning. The Foundation has a long history of valuing evaluation and supporting evaluation capacity within the Foundation and among its grantees.
Episode mentioned: Episode 1: Health Equity and Maternal and Child Health with Dr. Kyrah Brown
Contact: Healthcare Georgia Foundation
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Dr. Nelson's Bio
Gary D. Nelson is President of Healthcare Georgia Foundation, Inc., a private independent foundation in Atlanta, Georgia. Appointed in 2002, Dr. Nelson is responsible for executive management of the Foundation’s program, financial, and management operations. Working with the Foundation’s Board of Directors, Dr. Nelson oversees the Foundation’s grantmaking program dedicated to enabling, improving and advancing the health and well-being of all Georgians. Healthcare Georgia Foundation, Inc. was established in 1999 with an annual grantmaking program of approximately $4-5 million strategically allocated to: 1) Addressing Health Disparities; 2) Promoting Health and Preventing Disease; 3) Expanding Access to Quality Affordable and Integrated He
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