Funder Briefing: Nature as a Health Equity Tool
December 11 , 11:00 am – 12:15 pm PST
No matter what you fund, nature can be a powerful tool and ally in creating sustainable, long-term success and equity in your grantmaking.
Funders are invited to join a briefing on the power of nature-based solutions to achieving human and planetary health and justice. Hear the latest research and data on the connection between time spent outdoors and human health, and how climate change is impacting our emotions. Together, we’ll dig into existing solutions, including narrative change, community building, and data analysis, and co-create a network of aligned funders interested in using nature and the outdoors as a tool for health equity.
Join us on December 11 from 2:00 – 3:15 pm ET (11:00 am – 12:15 pm PT). This webinar is co-hosted by the Blue Sky Funders Forum, Grantmakers in Health, and the Health & Environmental Funders Network, and was designed in partnership with the Climate Mental Health Network.
Our Speakers
Sarah Newman is the Founder and Executive Director of Climate Mental Health Network, addressing the mental health consequences of climate change. The organization is the largest in this emerging sector, reaching young people, parents and educators with research-informed programs and resources. She was named a 2025 Grist 50 Fixer in recognition of her leadership in the climate-mental health field She previously worked in the media impact sector and at nonprofits as an outreach director and community organizer.
Jay Maddock is a Regents Professor at Texas A&M University and holder of the Coneway Family Centennial Endowed Chair at Houston Methodist. He is also the Director of the Center for Health & Nature, a joint initiative of Texas A&M University and Houston Methodist. He is the Chair of the Nature and Health Alliance and previously served as President of the American Academy of Health Behavior and Chair of the Hawaii Board of Health. His research has been featured in several national and international media outlets including The Today Show, CNN, Le Monde, the BBC, Scientific American, USA Today, Eating Well, Prevention and Good Housekeeping.
Yeou-Rong Jih (she/her/hers) serves as a Program Officer for The Kresge Foundation’s Environment Program, which helps communities build resilience in the face of climate change. Yeou-Rong supports the foundation’s Climate Resilient and Equitable Water Systems (CREWS) initiative grantmaking efforts, which advance equitable solutions to climate-related urban flooding. In 2021, she was named a Grist 50 Fixer, which recognizes emerging leaders in climate, sustainability and equity, who are creating change across the nation.
Sylia Obagi is the founding executive director of the Winston Family Foundation. She is leading the creation of the “Project One Health” Initiative, a strategic initiative dedicated to improving the well-being of children and adolescents through community-driven solutions that connect children to the significant health and developmental benefits of nature. Under her leadership, the Winston Family Foundation is investing $21 million in Jacksonville, Florida, and North Carolina, over three years, to simultaneously advance youth well-being, protect ecosystems, and promote biodiversity.
Who is this for? This webinar is for funders, grantmakers, philanthropy-serving/infrastructure organizations, and philanthropy advisors. Never funded the outdoors or nature? No problem! This call will serve as a jumping-off point. You do not need to be a member of Blue Sky, GIH, or HEFN to join. All funders are welcome.
Registration is required. This call will be recorded and shared with registrants and the members of Blue Sky, GIH, and HEFN.
Questions? Reach out to Berkeley at Blue Sky, berkeley@blueskyfundersforum.org