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SOMC Medical Care Foundation Inc / SOMC Development Foundation

Grant Range
$2K - $0.1M
Decision Time
3mo

SOMC Medical Care Foundation / SOMC Development Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: Data not publicly available
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Quarterly review cycles
  • Grant Range: $1,500 - $50,000 (based on recent awards)
  • Geographic Focus: Portsmouth, OH and Southern Ohio region
  • Application Deadlines: Quarterly - March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31

Contact Details

SOMC Development Foundation

Major Gifts & Planned Giving

  • Mary Arnzen, Major Gift & Planned Giving Officer
  • Phone: (740) 356-2716
  • Email: arnzenm@somc.org

Overview

SOMC Medical Care Foundation Inc (EIN 31-1374523) was established in 2006 as a 501(c)(3) organization to support Southern Ohio Medical Center in Portsmouth, Ohio. The foundation operates in conjunction with SOMC Development Foundation to identify community health and wellness needs while bridging the gap between those needs and the cost of solutions. The foundation provides support across multiple healthcare areas including anesthesia services, heart and vascular services, and radiology services, while also making community grants through the Community Health & Wellness Fund to support local organizations working on health and wellness initiatives in Southern Ohio.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Community Health & Wellness Fund - $1,500 - $50,000 (based on documented awards)

  • Quarterly application cycle with rolling deadlines
  • Online application required
  • Focuses on community health and wellness initiatives in the Portsmouth region

Other Foundation Programs:

  • Hospice support
  • Cancer services
  • Employee Relief Fund
  • Heart & Vascular programs
  • Pediatrics
  • Nursery Bereavement
  • Endowment Fund
  • Areas of greatest need

Priority Areas

Based on recent grant awards, SOMC prioritizes:

  • Health and wellness programming: Community events, facilities, and initiatives that promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles
  • Educational programs: Campus events, child safety education, health awareness programs
  • Food security: Programs addressing food insecurity, particularly for children
  • Community recreation: Safe outdoor spaces and activities promoting physical fitness
  • Arts and culture: Programming that contributes to community wellness
  • Student health services: Expanding healthcare access for students in schools

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly documented. However, as a hospital-based foundation, funding appears to be focused on health and wellness initiatives within their service area.

Governance and Leadership

Principal Officer: Mr. Benjamin Gill

Key Staff:

  • Mary Arnzen - Major Gift & Planned Giving Officer

The foundation operates as part of Southern Ohio Medical Center, a 216-bed 501(c)(3) not-for-profit hospital that has served Portsmouth, Ohio since 1954.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

SOMC accepts applications through an online grant request form available on their website. Applications must be submitted in their entirety prior to the quarterly deadlines.

Application Deadlines (Quarterly):

  • March 31
  • June 30
  • September 30
  • December 31

Important Note: Applications should be submitted prior to the deadline that falls before your project or activity. For example, if your project occurs in May, submit your application by March 31 to allow time for review.

Application Method: Online application form at www.somc.org/community-health/somc-grant-request/ or www.somc.org/donations/somc-grant-request/

Decision Timeline

SOMC considers grant applications at quarterly intervals. Specific turnaround times from application to notification are not publicly disclosed, but announcements of grant recipients are typically made after each quarterly review period.

Success Rates

Success rates and total number of applications received are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policies are not explicitly stated in available public information. Organizations are encouraged to contact the foundation directly for guidance on reapplication.

Application Success Factors

Based on analysis of funded projects, successful applications demonstrate:

1. Clear health and wellness connection: Even non-traditional health programs (like arts programming or recreational facilities) should articulate clear benefits to community health and wellness. For example, the funded pickleball court project emphasized "encouraging citizens of all ages to become physically active."

2. Community impact: Projects that serve broad community needs or vulnerable populations appear to be favored. Recent grants supported food-insecure children, child safety education, and accessible recreation facilities.

3. Regional relevance: Grants support organizations and projects within SOMC's service area in Southern Ohio, particularly Scioto County and Portsmouth.

4. Collaborative partnerships: Several funded organizations have existing relationships with SOMC or serve as community partners. Examples include Shawnee State University Development Foundation and local police departments.

5. Measurable outcomes: While not explicitly required, successful projects tend to have clear, measurable goals (e.g., number of children served, events hosted, facilities improved).

Recent Funded Projects as Examples:

  • Shawnee State University Development Foundation: $10,000 for campus events
  • Steven Hunter Hope Fund: $6,000 for Power Packs program serving food-insecure children on weekends
  • Hilltop Initiative Neighborhood Association: $5,000 for Mound Park pickleball and tennis court improvements
  • Potter's House Ministries: $5,000 for Tax Season 2024 support
  • Scioto Soil and Water Conservation District: $4,000 for CSI: SHAWNEE Science Camp
  • Southern Ohio Museum: $50,000 from James & Tabitha Pugh Memorial Fund for 2024 arts programming
  • Continuing the Legacy Foundation: $1,500 for All Hallow's Eve Bash
  • New Boston Police Department: Amount not disclosed for Child Safety Education Program

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Plan ahead for quarterly deadlines - Submit applications well before your project start date to align with the quarterly review cycle
  • Emphasize health and wellness outcomes - Even if your project isn't traditional healthcare, clearly articulate health and wellness benefits to the community
  • Demonstrate community need - SOMC's mission focuses on "identifying the community's health and wellness needs," so strong needs assessment is important
  • Local focus matters - Priority appears to go to organizations serving the Portsmouth and Southern Ohio region
  • Contact the foundation early - With limited public information about detailed criteria, reaching out to somcgrants@somc.org for guidance before applying is advisable
  • Grant amounts vary widely - Awards range from $1,500 to $50,000, suggesting flexibility based on project scope and impact
  • Multiple application opportunities - Quarterly deadlines provide four opportunities per year to apply or reapply

References

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