Introduction
The All Grantee Meeting was the first time in three years that Evidence for Action (E4A), Policies for Action (P4A), and Systems for Action (S4A), convened their grantees all together. Co-planning and collaborating across the 4Action programs for our two-and-a-half-day event allowed us to share resources and responsibilities, while creating space for grantees to build connections beyond their respective programs. As the 4Action programs prepare to sunset, this final all grantee convening was a meaningful opportunity to strengthen partnerships, learn from one another, and reflect on the work we’re advancing together. A special thanks to S4A for hosting us at the University of Colorado Anschutz, and for the thoughtful touches that made everyone feel welcome and cared for. From personalized agenda emails and professional headshots to goodie bags and local food from Tocabe and Gyros Town, their attention to detail made a difference.
The Reception
The gathering began at the Denver Art Museum, where attendees connected across research projects and professional sectors. Welcome remarks from our directors Glen Mays (S4A), Laudan Aron (P4A), and Amani Nuru-Jeter (E4A) offered insights into our teams’ and grantees’ incredible accomplishments, and encouraging words for the future. Serenaded throughout the evening by the local band Moderno, the night ended with a stroll through the museum and to appreciate original artwork, some dating back to the 1300s. The juxtaposition of centuries-old art and researchers sharing ideas felt especially fitting for a gathering centered on connection and collaboration. Like the art, we hope the knowledge, relationships, and progress fostered by our grantees’ research projects will continue to inspire and inform work for years to come.
Welcome & Place-Based Plenary
The first full day began by grounding attendees in Colorado’s history and communities. We heard from local representatives of community organizations, tribal nations, public health, archaeology, and historical research experts who explored the diverse histories and perspectives that have shaped the state’s culture, especially its Black and Indigenous history. Moderated by Colorado Public Radio’s Colorado Matters host Chandra Thomas, the conversation also centered around what it takes to build a more equitable future.
The day continued with three concurrent breakout sessions on increasing research visibility and impact in media and policy, and applying system design tools for envisioning the future for health equity. 4Action staff heard from grantees that these sessions provided new practical skills and resources they can apply in their work.
During lunch break, attendees had the opportunity to tour the Nighthorse Campbell Native Health Building, which houses the Centers for American Indian and Alaska Native Health (CAIANH). Tours included Native American art incorporated throughout the building as well as historical photographs, and distinctive architecture. Later, attendees had the opportunity to visit History Colorado, an interactive history museum in downtown Denver. Attendees that did not visit History Colorado had the chance to participate in one-on-one consultations focused on strategic communications and research dissemination, converting research findings into future funding, and translating evidence into policy with experts in policy, philanthropy, and communications.
Celebrating Collaboration and Looking Forward
The final day was energized by the passion in the room. Acquaintances had become friends, new partnerships were taking shape, and attendees were exchanging ideas and exploring new approaches to one another’s research. Alongside these conversations, coffee from a local, women-of-color-owned Awakening Cafe kept us energized while reflecting the community investment and mutual support at the heart of our work.
Antonio Lopez’s indelible poem marking the third anniversary of the Half Moon Bay shooting, Somos / We Are, in Spanish, followed by an English translation, was a memorable way to begin our final day. His performance offered a powerful bi-lingual experience for the audience that underscored the importance of listening and considering perspectives beyond our own.
The two final breakout sessions that followed provided another opportunity for grantees to connect and learn from one another. During the Grantee Product Showcase, grantees shared a high-level overview of their research and introduced a related product, highlighting its intended use, target audience, and dissemination strategies. From documentaries to data visualization boards and research playbooks, the showcase featured a diverse range of products and elicited feedback and discussion from fellow attendees. Concurrently, grantees who participated in the Navigating Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Amidst Pushback session explored how to effectively communicate about equity during a period of heightened scrutiny and opposition.
The meeting closed with a panel presentation from the directors of the newly formed Health Equity Research for Action (HERA) program. Moderated by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s (RWJF’s) Chief Science Officer, Alonzo Plough, the discussion explored RWJF’s vision for the future of health equity research and HERA’s role in achieving it. Following the panel, small group discussions examined how research can drive lasting systems change and advance equitable outcomes across communities.
Final Reflections
This grantee meeting reinforced the power of community, collaboration, and sharing perspectives. Participants left with new tools to strengthen their research, connections for collaboration, and a network that will outlast our programs. Throughout the gathering, a shared vision emerged of a more equitable future where everyone has a seat at the table, curiosity leads the conversation, and different perspectives are welcomed and embraced.
"Thank you so much for inviting me to participate in the 2026 All Grantee Meeting. I learned a ton from the breakout session I attended and made several promising connections. Your team does such a fabulous job planning these meetings, it’s truly been an honor and joy to participate.” - 4Action grantee