What is the Henry W. Grady Health System Foundation?

A separately incorporated 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to secure additional resources in support of the Grady Health System mission and to act as a fiduciary of those resources. In consultation with the Henry W. Grady Health System Foundation Board of Directors, the foundation supports groundbreaking health-care projects in metro Atlanta.

Signature projects include:
• Level Ι Trauma Unit
• Grady Burn Unit
• Georgia Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center
• Grace Towns Hamilton Women’s Pavilion
• Georgia Cancer Center for Excellence
• Infectious Disease Program
• Teen Reproductive Health Services




How is the Henry W. Grady Health System Foundation organized?

A volunteer board of directors composed of 25 community leaders and key supporters manages the foundation. Board members are elected to three, two and one-year terms and receive no compensation for their services.



Who staffs and operates the foundation?

A staff of professionals in non-profit development coordinates all foundation activities and is responsible for the ethical management and distribution of funds. All staff members abide by the ethical and professional standards set by the Association of Fund-Raising Professionals (AFP). Foundation staff does not receive commission on funds they raise.



How are foundation funds used?

Philanthropic funds support critical projects that otherwise might not be funded. Philanthropic funds also enhance and expand crucial ongoing projects that face funding shortages. In some instances, donors and philanthropists provide funds for specific projects. In setting funding priorities, the foundation always aims to enhance the medical center's ability to serve.



Why does Grady Health System need private philanthropic funds?

Simply put, the demand for medical care far exceeds the funds available. Tax funds are not nearly sufficient to provide the care needed by thousands of uninsured in Fulton-DeKalb counties.


Who determines the priorities for fund raising?

The health-care priorities of the hospital authority, health system CEO and executive staff make funding recommendations to the foundation. The foundation board reviews project proposals from the hospital and medical schools. In study and consultation, the foundation examines how the project will benefit the entire hospital system.



Are there categories and levels of donations? How are these gifts recognized?

The 1892 Society is Henry W. Grady Health System Foundation’s prestigious donor recognition club, honoring all donors who have made a gift of $10,000 or more and recognizing them on our donor wall in the main hospital atrium. Individual donors are also recognized as follows:
• 1892 Society Philanthropist ($5 million +)
• Humanitarian ($1 million)
• Founder ($500,000)
• Benefactor ($250,000)
• Patron ($100,000)
• Fellow ($50,000)
• President’s Circle ($25,000)
• Leadership Circle ($10,000)
• Friends of Grady (Up to $10,000)



What if a potential donor has a specific interest?

In general, the foundation supports those projects that have been carefully selected and prioritized by the foundation board and the hospital authority. However, the foundation will also help donors fund and create special medical projects of specific interest to the donor, as long as they advance the mission, priorities and needs of Grady Health System. The foundation follows strict adherence to “donor intent.” If donated funds cannot be used as the donor intended they are returned.



Are contributions tax deductible?

Yes. The foundation is an approved IRS 501(c)(3) charity. All donations are tax deductible to the maximum extent allowable by law.



Can corporations contribute?

Yes. The foundation has a long history of major corporate support for its priority projects.



Do you accept contributions other than cash?

Yes. The foundation can facilitate gifts of stock, real estate, art and other non-cash gifts. Many donors also choose to contribute planned gifts, such as simple bequests and charitable trusts. We encourage donors to consult with professional advisers when making such gifts.



Does the foundation support medical research?

Yes. When the medical research works with serving the health-care needs of the Fulton-DeKalb community. In some cases, donor interest or a specific grant supports medical research. Most research support, however, is the responsibility of Emory and Morehouse schools of medicine.



Does the foundation maintain an endowment?

The Dana Bloodworth Miller Endowment, a scholarship fund for Grady nurses who wish to pursue continuing education or advanced degrees.



How does the foundation pay for its expenses?

The Henry W. Grady Health System Foundation is a 501(c)(3)public charity. The finance committee of the foundation board of directors approves operating expenses in its annual budgeting process. Operating expenses are allocated from contractual relationship with Grady Health System, unrestricted or undesignated donor funds and portfolio income in accordance with legal and donor restrictions.