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Fannie E Rippel Foundation

Annual Giving
$6.4M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $6.44 million
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not publicly available
  • Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
  • Geographic Focus: National (United States)

Contact Details

Overview

The Fannie E Rippel Foundation, established in 1953 by J.S. Rippel in memory of his wife, is a private grantmaking foundation with approximately $88.5 million in total assets. The foundation disburses approximately $6.44 million annually, representing 95.8% of its total expenses. Originally focused on healthcare research and treatment related to cancer, heart disease, and women's and elderly health, the foundation has evolved to focus on systemic transformation of health and well-being across communities. Through its flagship ReThink Health initiative, the foundation works to guide transformational change that supports better health and well-being for all, extending beyond traditional healthcare to address the vital conditions necessary for thriving communities.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates primarily through its ReThink Health initiative and strategic partnerships. In January 2024, the foundation announced grant awards to eight community organizations, though specific amounts and programs are not publicly detailed. The foundation offers:

  • Multi-year partnership arrangements
  • Support for systems transformation initiatives
  • Resources for implementing the Vital Conditions Framework

Priority Areas

  • Health systems transformation and innovation
  • Community well-being and equitable health outcomes
  • Vital conditions for health including: thriving natural world, basic health and safety needs, humane housing, meaningful work and wealth, lifelong learning, reliable transportation, belonging and civic muscle
  • Collaborative approaches to population health improvement
  • Research and treatment related to cancer, heart disease, women's and elderly health

What They Don't Fund

Not publicly specified

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is governed by a Board of Trustees with broad authority to adapt programming to changing times. Key personnel include:

  • Rebecca Payne: President/CEO
  • Robert Milstein: Director
  • Audrey Wells: Director of Finance
  • Recent Board Additions: Dr. Yvonne Goldsberry and Dr. Douglas Jutte

The foundation operates with values centered on belonging, respect, learning, interdependence, and taking measured risks.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. Grants are typically awarded through strategic partnerships and invitation-only opportunities. The foundation works with selected health systems, philanthropies, businesses, government entities, and community organizations to advance its mission of transforming health and well-being.

Getting on Their Radar

Organizations interested in partnership can explore collaboration opportunities through the foundation's ReThink Health initiative. The foundation welcomes partnerships from organizations ready to "reimagine systems" and "work toward equitable well-being." Potential partners should demonstrate alignment with the foundation's focus on systemic change and the Vital Conditions Framework.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly available

Success Rates

Not publicly available

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly specified

Application Success Factors

The foundation seeks partners who are:

  • Committed to transformative, lasting change rather than incremental improvements
  • Focused on addressing root causes of health inequities
  • Willing to work collaboratively across sectors
  • Aligned with the Vital Conditions Framework approach
  • Ready to shift investments toward supporting thriving populations
  • National and regional stewards and innovators in health systems, philanthropy, business, government, and communities

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • The Fannie E Rippel Foundation operates primarily through strategic partnerships rather than open grant applications
  • Focus on systemic transformation and population health aligns with their mission
  • ReThink Health initiative is the primary vehicle for their grantmaking and partnerships
  • Multi-year partnership arrangements are available for aligned organizations
  • The foundation emphasizes collaborative, cross-sector approaches to health and well-being
  • Organizations should demonstrate understanding of and alignment with the Vital Conditions Framework
  • Building relationships and demonstrating transformative potential is essential given the invitation-only nature of their funding

References

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