Summer’s warmth and sunshine invite us to spend more time outdoors—on trails, in parks, and in the places that restore our perspective. That simple opportunity to enjoy fresh air and natural light can strengthen our outlook on life and support our overall well-being.
This month, Trailhead leaders attended the Grantmakers in Health national conference, hosted by the nation’s largest association of hospital and health system conversion foundations. The organization’s vision—better health for all through better philanthropy—aligns closely with our mission and community interests. Educational sessions explored grantmaking trends, innovative philanthropy, public-private partnerships, Medicaid eligibility changes and their implications for local nonprofits, and philanthropy’s role in addressing the health and social needs of rural communities.
The conference also highlighted how foundations are using media, legal, and advocacy strategies to protect nonprofit interests. In addition, we valued the opportunity to connect with the president of GIH and with our colleagues at Interact for Health, bi3 Fund, and HealthPath Foundation of Ohio—hospital conversion foundations based in Ohio.
As part of our start-up plans, we finalized an agreement to occupy space at 50 S. Main Street. We appreciate the collaboration of our vendor partners—Metis Construction, Jones Group Interiors, HSB Architects + Engineers, and PCR Business Systems—in designing and renovating a space that will support our business, fundraising, and grantmaking functions.
We are also launching a photography contest to identify artwork for our new office. Amateur photographers are invited to submit photos of their favorite trails to marketing@trailheadhealthfoundation.org by Friday, August 14. Trails must be located within our five-county service area: Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, and Wayne counties. Winning photographs will be displayed prominently in our new downtown Akron office.
Our foundation continues to work with our national consultant, Building for Mission, to engage board and committee members, staff, donors, funders, nonprofit leaders, and other stakeholders in a strategic planning process. This process will help clarify the priorities Trailhead should embrace to make a meaningful impact across the community. To inform the process, we distributed a resident survey seeking feedback on barriers and service gaps that prevent individuals from leading healthier lives.
As I write this column, we have collected more than 500 responses; however, we need 1,500 additional responses to reflect better the voices and perspectives of our five-county region, which is home to 1.3 million residents. While responses from Summit County are strong, we need greater participation from residents in Medina, Portage, Stark, and Wayne counties. The survey takes less than five minutes to complete and is available here: Health and Wellness in the Greater Akron Region Survey.
We are also continuing community conversations with nonprofits that are responding to local health and wellness needs. We have learned a great deal from Heartland Education Community, Orville Big Brothers Big Sisters, Non-Stop Growth, Unlikely Partners, The Akron Sneaker Academy, and The Vincent House, as they work to mentor children and youth and present them with educational, social, and wellness opportunities.
As we move through these bright summer days, I hope each of us finds time to step outside, enjoy the warmth of the sun, and reconnect with the people and places that renew us. That spirit of well-being—rooted in community and connection—continues to guide Trailhead’s work and our commitment to a healthier future for all.
Tracy Carter, President and CEO