Our Model
In 2024, the Gangarosa International Health Foundation launched a new, scalable model that replaces short-term intervention with human-centered design, creative community engagement, and local ownership; ensuring that its public health improvements endure long after projects conclude.
This community-focused approach not only improves health outcomes but also builds leadership, resilience, and scalable systems for change. Central to the model is the formation of a volunteer network of community ambassadors and trainers who champion health practices, train others, and guide long-term adoption. As capacity and ownership grow, GIHF intentionally transitions to a support role, providing technical guidance while empowering the community to lead and expand the work independently.
Suzanne Sattelmeyer
Treasurer
Our Model
Work with the community to identify public health, community development, and/or environmental enhancement issues to resolve
Form a partnership with the community
Supply initial funding, equipment, and other services as indicated
Engage community members to serve as local ambassadors
Assist the community in planning and designing locally sustainable solutions
Train the ambassadors to work with community members to deliver results
Promote community self-sufficiency and independence to turn the original initiative into a self-sustaining program
Provide the program with ongoing guidance, support, and consultancy
More About Our Mission Change
GIHF is transitioning away from directly operated programs. Going forward, the Foundation intends to pursue its charitable mission primarily by providing financial support to established organizations whose work is consistent with GIHF’s mission. For many years, GIHF has pursued its mission by supporting and developing initiatives intended to improve health and strengthen communities.
Most recently, our work in Ghana brought together community leaders, volunteers, health professionals, vendors, and families around improved cookstoves, health education, youth development, and community empowerment. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed to this work.
The dedication, creativity, and generosity of our partners and volunteers have made a meaningful difference and have provided lessons that will continue to inform GIHF’s charitable mission. GIHF is not closing. Rather, the Foundation is entering a new chapter. Going forward, we intend to pursue our charitable mission primarily by supporting the work of other qualified organizations.
