Cone Health Foundation

06/02/2026

Have you heard of "The Gospel of Wealth" by Andrew Carnegie (published almost 140 years ago)? Lessons in that book reflect the "gilded age of philanthropy."

Last month, our staff members at Cone Health Foundation finished reading and discussing the book, "A New Era of Philanthropy: Ten Practices to Transform Wealth into a More Just and Sustainable Future" by Dimple Abichandani, published in 2025 by North Atlantic Books.

What are some indicators, to you, that philanthropy organizations have shifted, progressively forward to embrace a "new era of philanthropy" — where grantmaking by foundations in Greensboro is different than it used to be?

How do you understand the purpose of philanthropy in these times?

We are interested in your thoughts!

06/02/2026

05/11/2026

According to the latest community needs assessment completed by Cone Health, nearly 10% of Guilford County adults lack health insurance coverage.

For many years, Cone Health Foundation has proudly supported Guilford Community Care Network GCCN) and its Orange Card program, which helps connect eligible uninsured residents to essential health care services. Partnerships like these are vital to improving health access and advancing health equity in our community.

Program officials also expect more people will need support once Medicaid work requirements take effect next year. Estimates show that more than 10,000 people in Guilford County could lose Medicaid coverage due to the new rules, underscoring the importance of community-based programs and partnerships that help fill critical gaps in care.

We are grateful for GCCN’s continued leadership and commitment to caring for our neighbors.

Read more in North Carolina Health News.

Officials with the county's "Orange Card" program expect more people will need help next year once Medicaid work requirements kick in.

05/08/2026

For years, Susan Fitzgibbon Shumaker has helped shape a healthier, more equitable Guilford County.

On May 7, the Guilford County Board of Commissioners recognized her contributions with a formal resolution honoring her retirement as President of Cone Health Foundation.

This moment reflects not just a career—but a legacy of partnership, leadership, and lasting community impact.

We are deeply grateful. Congratulations, Susan!

05/04/2026

We recently celebrated our outgoing President, Susan Fitzgibbon Shumaker, as she prepares for retirement after leading Cone Health Foundation since 2009.

In recognition of her extraordinary contributions to Greensboro, the Mayor proclaimed April 23 as Susan Shumaker Day, honoring her longstanding commitment to eliminating health inequities through advocacy, collaboration, and investment in community-driven solutions.

The City of Reidsville also recognized Susan for her 20 years as President of Annie Penn Hospital, where she led with deep community commitment and guided the hospital through its successful merger into Cone Health, ensuring continued access to high-quality care for the region.

One of Susan’s most enduring statewide contributions has been her leadership in advancing Medicaid expansion. For nearly a decade, she was a leading philanthropic voice supporting this effort, recognizing its potential to save lives and strengthen North Carolina’s health and economy beyond what any single grant could achieve.

In 2014, Susan commissioned a first-of-its-kind county-level study showing that Medicaid expansion could create more than 43,000 jobs and generate billions in business revenue. Funded in partnership with the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust and updated in 2019, the study played a critical role in shaping public discourse and policy across the state.

Under Susan’s leadership, the Foundation made strategic investments to strengthen statewide coalitions advocating for expansion, supporting staffing, policy expertise, community storytelling, and convenings. These coalitions reflected the full diversity of North Carolina and centered the voices of those living in the Medicaid coverage gap, an approach Susan consistently prioritized.

Today, more than 700,000 North Carolinians, including over 45,000 in Guilford County, have gained health insurance through Medicaid expansion, contributing to a significant reduction in uninsured residents locally.

Susan’s leadership is a powerful example of how place-based philanthropy can drive meaningful statewide change, inspiring others to advance equity and improve community health.

In recognition of her exemplary service, Susan was awarded the Order of the Longleaf Pine, one of North Carolina’s highest civilian honors!

Susan, thank you for your dedication and lasting impact on our communities. We are proud to carry this work forward, building on the foundation you’ve laid and continuing the pursuit of a more equitable and healthy future for all.

04/29/2026

Today we celebrate Other Voices Diversity Program Class 33! Supporting this program isn't just about leadership development; it’s about committing to the hard work of community building and social change.

​Inspired by the legacy of Mary Kendrick, we are reminded to use our influence to challenge the status quo and stay rooted in community.

​Congratulations to our very own Christina Yongue and Luke Wallace! Your journey with Class 33 is just the beginning of the impact you’ll continue to have on Greensboro.

04/22/2026

We’re proud to spotlight the Interfaith Affordable Housing Initiative (IHI), a recent recipient of a one of our Capacity Building Grants. IHI brings together faith communities and congregations to learn, connect, advocate for, and provide affordable housing for those who are experiencing homelessness or living in temporary housing in Guilford County.

We are grateful for their partnership and shared commitment to advancing health equity and strengthening community-driven solutions that help everyone thrive.

Learn more about our grant partners and their impact:

Interfaith Affordable Housing Initiative (IHI) brings together faith communities and congregations to learn, connect, advocate for, and provide affordable housing in Greensboro.

04/20/2026

If you are working to advance civic engagement in Greensboro, then you should come to this event tonight!

04/17/2026

Congratulations to our dear Jamilla Pinder, Director of Community Engagement and Impact, and our Board Chair, Ursula Robinson, on being recognized as Outstanding Women in Business by the Triad Business Journal.

We are grateful for your leadership and proud of the impact you continue to make in the Greensboro community!