The Foundation is governed by a Board of Trustees that approves all disbursements to the organization. Each of the Network groups within The Foundation has a separate disbursement policy that sets the parameters for annual distributions ensuring that the funds will be used as the donor wishes (through designated gifts) and as The Foundation by-laws prescribe.
The Foundation of FirstHealth has been the catalyst for innovation through philanthropy – literally the stepping-stone for our regional medical system that is now among the finest in the region. It is a system paced by innovative thinking and support. It has become one of the finest regional medical systems in the nation.
The Foundation’s role is to support, through philanthropy, the mission of FirstHealth of the Carolinas, Inc.
FirstHealth is fortunate to have a strong philanthropic heritage. This support continues today through the Foundation of FirstHealth enlisting financial support from the region through our organized networks: FirstHealth Hospice Foundation, FirstHealth Montgomery Foundation, FirstHealth Richmond Memorial Foundation and the Clara McLean House Advisory Council.
The Foundation’s primary role is to provide the philanthropic support for the health care system. The Foundation does own and operate the Clara McLean House, which is a haven of hope, support services and affordable lodging for out-of-town patients, families, caregivers, and so much more. Envisioned, constructed and endowed by The Foundation of FirstHealth, Clara’s House is focused on all the needs of families and caregivers with a loved one in FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital or FirstHealth Hospice. Outpatients also stay with us while they receive treatment.
In addition to providing a caring and affordable place to stay, this unique facility offers a range of patient support and advocacy services. At Clara’s House, hospitality is part of healing. Kindness is our medicine.
All donations make a difference in the lives of our patients, for our clinical staff and for the overall access to care for the community.
Our most common types of gifts are tribute gifts (memorials and gifts in honor of) sustaining gifts and planned gifts.
By definition, sustaining gifts are the principal source of “current use” gifts from patients, friends and other constituents.
Therefore, securing funds from individual donations through a strong and consistent sustaining gift program is critical in helping to carry this load of increasing capital needs.
The Scroll Society is often referred to as the cornerstone of the Foundation’s success. Membership is open to friends of the Hospital who give $1,000 each year over a period of 10 years. Gifts can be made quarterly, annually, or the endowed total of $10,000 can be satisfied through a charitable gift annuity or bequest.
Planned gifts are executed through a will or bequest, a planned giving tool such as a Charitable Gift Annuity or Charitable Trust. Gifts of appreciated assets such as property or stocks can be a valuable tool for a planned gift as well as an outright gift of cash through the sale of the asset. Learn more about planned giving.
For information about estate planning, please contact The Foundation office at (910) 695-7500.
Since our inception in 1929, a legacy of giving has been created through bequests and estate gifts. Estate planning techniques became very sophisticated in the 1980s. Through creative mechanisms such as charitable remainder trusts and charitable gift annuities, the Foundation has grown a very successful planned giving program.
Presently the Foundation manages more than 15 charitable trusts and over 164 charitable gift annuities. This success is made possible through our partnership with the Professional Advisory Council. The “PAC” consists of legal and financial professionals in the community who volunteer their time by facilitating community- wide education sessions, as well as providing their expertise while serving on our various FirstHealth governance committees.
If you have a special desire to volunteer as a member of a committee or with one of our many programs and services, please call The Foundation at (910) 695-7500.
