At DAP Health, the belief that healthcare is a human right propels all — including the center’s recently energized Philanthropy Department, renamed from Resource Development by newly arrived chief philanthropy officer Chris Kiser. The department’s goal remains the same: Mobilize community generosity to expand and improve compassionate, judgment-free care for all.
Kiser, a seasoned fundraiser, plans to launch DAP Health’s inaugural estate giving program in early 2026.
Meanwhile, director of philanthropy Matt Swearman focuses on deepening donor connections. His popular Impact Hour Tours take guests through the DAP Health Sunrise campus in Palm Springs — with stops at behavioral health, women’s health, and LGBTQ+ and HIV specialty care — to share true stories of resilience and success by staff and patients.
Many attended the 2025 Partners For Life season closer event held in May at the Abernathy House in Palm Springs.
Photo courtesy DAP Health
In addition, two capital campaigns underway will help bring DAP Health’s existing Palm Springs Family Health OB-GYN practice to the Sunrise campus and fuel the establishment of a sexual wellness clinic in Oceanside modeled on successful DAP Health centers in Palm Springs, Cathedral City, and Indio.
Major donor programs like Partners For Life and Partners Forever plus special events like the annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards (next occurring Feb. 21, 2026) continue to inspire giving. Foodie fundraiser Dining Out For Life Greater Palm Springs returns April 23, 2026.
DAP Health CEO David Brinkman pays tribute to patient-turned-team member Maria Elias (on video screen) at the 2025 Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards.
Lani Garfield, courtesy DAP Health
Director of philanthropy Matt Swearman drives donor connections through tours of
DAP Health’s Sunrise campus.
Photo Demarcus O’Dell, courtesy DAP Health
Lynn Hammond, 2025 Partners For Life Award recipient, speaks with presenter Terri Ketover, Ph.D., onstage at The Chase.
Photo courtesy DAP Health
In a time of shrinking public and corporate funding, Kiser believes every contribution matters, whether one bequeaths hundreds of thousands of dollars, or shops or donates at one of DAP Health’s four Revivals thrift stores in Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Palm Desert, and Indio, each of which returns 100 percent of its profit to the agency.
With a revitalized philanthropy team and bold plans, DAP Health has never been in a better position to work toward a healthier, more inclusive future for every member of the diverse communities it serves.
DAP Health
760-323-9255
daphealth.org
