Sponsor Spotlight: A Foundation for Community

Featured in Vol 8, Issue 2: Philanthropy

Who is the West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation? 

Merriam-Webster defines foundation as “a basis upon which something is supported or a body upon which something is built up,” and these descriptions encompass what the West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation is to our community. Founded in 1985, The Foundation has always worked to improve the health of those in our service area, but over the past three decades, The Foundation has transformed from its initial role as a healthcare foundation into a community foundation with a solid emphasis on supporting our local health system. As we have adapted to the changing needs of our community, our focus has transitioned to serving as a catalyst for positive changes in healthcare, education, and the arts. We seek to strengthen the health and well-being of our community by supporting the physical health of our residents as well as their quality of life. 

So much of what The Foundation does is behind the scenes. Home to almost 500 funds, The Foundation supports all aspects of the community from healthcare to the arts; education to animal welfare; housing and food security to equity and diversity. This can be found in the form of sponsorships, grants, scholarships, and direct support to agencies and individuals. 

Our various types of funds make it possible to increase our reach into all facets of our local area. Our community project funds function as micro non-profits meeting needs in the community where gaps in services exist. The Foundation serves as the fiscal agent for several state and federal grant programs providing additional support for homelessness, addiction, mental health, and aging.  Donor-advised funds allow local philanthropists to support worthy causes both locally and internationally, and our more than $28 million in endowments ensure many of these causes will receive funding beyond the scope of our lifetimes. 

Each year, The Foundation supports West Tennessee Healthcare through direct funding for health system needs as well as individual assistance for employees and patients, helping with housing, utilities, medication, and other necessities.

To extend our support of the health system, The Foundation embarked on its first capital campaign in 2021 to construct a hospice home. This facility will be the first and only of its kind in our rural nineteen county service area and will provide families with a vital option for end-of-life care. West Tennessee Healthcare employees along with individuals and organizations across the area have joined together to make this vision a reality by volunteering their time and giving financial support to provide mercy, comfort, and love for those needing hospice care. 

While access to healthcare is crucial to the overall health of any community, research has shown numerous influences outside the health system may play an even larger role in determining the health of its citizens. These influences are commonly referred to as social determinants of health, and strengthening these factors are the key to reducing health disparities and improving health outcomes. The Center for Disease Control has identified five domains in social determinants of health: economic stability, education access and quality, healthcare access and quality, neighborhood and built environment, and social and community context. 

Our goal is to strengthen these five domains, which directly improve the health and well-being of our community. To achieve this, The Foundation supports a variety of initiatives focused on social determinants of health. Last year, The Foundation invested almost $3.5 million back into our local communities with more than $3 million of those funds distributed to other non-profits who are addressing each of these five areas. 

Since 2016, The Foundation has awarded more than $205,000 in community grants to non-profits serving Madison County. This year, $55,000 was awarded to the following six agencies to improve social determinants of health in our community. These awards are highlighted on the opposite page. 

 Another unique way The Foundation engages with the community is through our largest annual fundraiser, The Charity Gala. This elegant two-night event brings together leaders from across West Tennessee to support projects and services directly connected to the health system. This year, the event benefits the Hospice Home and Ayers Children’s Medical Center. 

In addition to raising money, The Charity Gala recognizes the achievements and impact of local individuals who are making our city and county a better place to call home through the Jackson Awards, Dr. A. Barnett Scott Award, and Tigrett Award.

Over the past 37 years, The Foundation has established strong roots in Jackson and Madison County. As we continue to grow, we want to provide the foundation where other great accomplishments are built in our community. By investing in local initiatives and non-profits as they impact the lives of those they serve, we continue to branch out and expand our reach to impact the future of West Tennessee.