Bonding Strategy

Early Relational Health Funders Community

The Early Relational Health (ERH) Funders Community is a growing network of foundation executives and program officers who recognize the importance of strong, positive, and nurturing parent-child relationships in advancing their missions and philanthropic strategies.

Launched in 2021 by Einhorn Collaborative, the Community that began with just two dozen funders has grown to more than 300 individuals united by a shared commitment to early relational health.

Strong, nurturing relationships are at the heart of every child’s ability to thrive. By coming together as a community of funders, we are not only deepening our understanding of early relational health, but also building the collective will to support children and families in lasting, meaningful ways.

ERH Funders Community Member

What We Do Together

By convening funders, we are building a stronger field of practice and philanthropy around the importance of early relational health. Together, we are advancing knowledge, sharing strategies, and investing in the conditions that give children and families the foundation they need to thrive.

Each year, the ERH Funders Community engages in activities designed to inform, connect, and strengthen the field, including:

  • Monthly newsletters sharing resources, research, and events related to ERH
  • LinkedIn group for news, opportunities, and connections
  • SLAM Hours (Share, Learn, and Meet) – monthly open forums for conversation and peer exchange
  • Virtual events (4–6 per year), often co-hosted with peers such as the Early Childhood Funders Collaborative, Grantmakers in Health, and Funders for Maternal Mental Health
  • Affinity group sessions for funders interested in specific topics such as pediatrics, early care and education, or child welfare
  • One in-person Summit each year (2–3 days), bringing the network together for deeper learning and relationship building

Steering Committee

The ERH Funders Community is guided by a dedicated Steering Committee of philanthropic leaders:

  • Tyiesha Short, Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation

    Renée Nogales, Burke Foundation

    Hazel Guzman, Carmel Hill Fund

    Kelly Brittain, Children’s Foundation

    Cyndi Soter O’Neil, ChildTrust Foundation

    Ereka Williams, Dogwood Health Trust

    Ira Hillman, Einhorn Collaborative

    Robin Hill-Dunbar, Ford Family Foundation

    Phyllis Glink, Irving Harris Foundation

    Ashley Ahlers, John Rex Endowment

    Ron Rabin, Maritz Family Foundation

    Christine Switzer, Monarch Foundation

    Ann Marie Healy, Philadelphia Health Partnership

    Andrea Palmer, Pritzker Children’s Initiative

    Yvette Gerrans, Roots & Wings

    Kyle Fitzpatrick, San Diego Foundation

    Ellen Roche, Trust For Learning

    Jane West, The Two Lilies Fund

    Becky Jaques Hasak, Valhalla Foundation

    Monica Beltran, W.K. Kellogg Foundation

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