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Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation

Annual Giving
$16.2M
Decision Time
5mo

Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $16,169,667 (2023)
  • Number of Grants: 19 awards (2023)
  • Decision Time: Applications reviewed after May 31; awards made after October 1
  • Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
  • Geographic Focus: Communities served by Baptist Memorial Health Care hospitals in Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi
  • Application Period: January 1 - May 31 annually

Contact Details

Website: https://bmhgiving.org/

Main Office: Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation 350 N. Humphreys Blvd. Memphis, TN 38120

Phone: 901-227-7123 (Foundation)

Community Grants Contact: Baptist Memorial Health Care Community Relations Department Phone: 901-227-3528 Email: [email protected]

Overview

Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation serves as the fundraising arm of Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation, a not-for-profit health system operating 22 hospitals across Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi. Since 1983, the Foundation has provided financial resources to support medical research programs, technology upgrades, health and wellness programs, and scholarships. The organization holds 501(c)(3) status and has earned a 4/4 Star rating on Charity Navigator. In 2023, the Foundation distributed $16,169,667 in grants across 19 awards, supporting both internal hospital system initiatives and external community organizations that align with their health-focused mission. The Foundation operates with a dual purpose: raising funds for Baptist Memorial hospitals and programs while also supporting qualifying 501(c)(3) organizations in their service areas through a competitive community grants process.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Community Grants Program

  • Application period: January 1 - May 31 annually
  • Decisions and awards: After October 1
  • Both financial contributions and in-kind gifts available
  • Grant amounts: Not publicly disclosed
  • No multi-year funding commitments; annual reapplication required

In-Kind Contributions

  • Goods or services instead of monetary contributions
  • Examples: Meeting space, health screenings, speakers
  • Requires submission at least 4 weeks prior to event/need date

Priority Areas

The Foundation supports organizations addressing:

  • Chronic Disease and Healthy Living: Programs promoting wellness and disease management
  • Education: Health professional training, scholarships, medical education
  • Poverty: Services for underserved, uninsured, and vulnerable populations
  • Quality of Life: Hospice care, grief support, patient assistance
  • Language/Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Programs serving diverse communities without discrimination

Specific program areas include:

  • Cancer care (direct patient care, equipment, clinical research)
  • Healthcare for homeless populations
  • Grief support for children and families
  • Financial assistance for patients
  • Scholarships for healthcare students
  • Medical equipment and research initiatives

What They Don't Fund

  • Non-501(c)(3) organizations
  • Grants to individuals
  • Religious institutions (unless serving the entire community with health initiatives)
  • Organizations with limited constituencies
  • Travel expenses and one-time events
  • Sponsorships that primarily offer marketing benefits
  • Operating costs/overhead and employee compensation
  • Organizations outside communities served by Baptist Memorial Health Care hospitals

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors:

  • Pace Cooper, Chairman
  • Johnnie D. Amonette
  • Brandon Arrindell
  • Nancy Benton
  • Kathleen D. Blair
  • Eric Brown
  • Shannon Brown
  • Hope Dmuchowski
  • G. Douglas Edwards
  • Hal Fogelman
  • Andrea Levy
  • Henry W. Morgan, Sr.
  • Stephen C. Reynolds
  • Stephen Threlkeld
  • Kemmons Wilson, Jr.

Executive Leadership:

Jason Little – President and CEO, Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation

  • Joined Baptist in 2002; previously served as CEO/administrator at three Baptist hospitals
  • Education: BA in health administration (University of Tennessee), MBA and MHA (University of Alabama at Birmingham)
  • Former operations administrator at Mayo Clinic Scottsdale
  • Recipient: Early Career Healthcare Executive Award

Robbie Johnson – Vice President and Chief Development Officer

  • 10-year Baptist employee overseeing the Foundation and all fundraising activities
  • Former executive director of NEA Baptist Foundation in Jonesboro, Arkansas
  • Education: 1992 graduate of Arkansas State University
  • Member: Association of Healthcare Philanthropy

Gregory M. Duckett – Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer

  • Senior vice president since 1992
  • Oversees legal matters, risk management, compliance, and government relations

Zach Chandler – Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer

  • Former CEO/administrator at four Baptist Memorial hospitals
  • Education: BA from Baylor University, MHA from Washington University

Foundation Staff:

  • Pam Crislip – Director of Advancement Services
  • Pam LaCroix – Grants Specialist
  • Henry Kenworthy – Senior Development Officer
  • Laura Cantrell – Senior Development Officer
  • Denise Ward – Senior Development Officer
  • Sherita Martin – Development Director, Baptist Health Sciences University
  • Trinta Jones – Coordinator
  • Melissa Lewis – Database Fund Manager
  • Patricia Birkholz – Specialist

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Organizations may apply online between January 1 and May 31 each year. Contact the Community Relations Department at 901-227-3528 or [email protected] to obtain application materials or access the online application portal.

Required Documentation:

  • IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt determination letter
  • Organizational background and mission statement
  • Audited financial statements
  • Board of directors roster
  • Detailed program budget for which funding is sought
  • Staff qualifications and experience
  • Success metrics and evaluation methods
  • Description of population served
  • Documented outcomes from previous funding (if reapplying)

In-Kind Gift Requests: Submit at least 4 weeks prior to event/need date (some sources indicate 8 weeks; confirm with Foundation)

Decision Timeline

  • Application Window: January 1 - May 31
  • Review Period: After May 31
  • Notification: Organizations notified of approval status
  • Award Distribution: After October 1

This timeline indicates approximately 4-5 months from application deadline to award distribution.

Success Rates

Based on available data:

  • 2023: 19 grants awarded from total pool of $16,169,667
  • 2022: 19 grants awarded
  • 2021: 17 grants awarded

Specific success rate percentages (ratio of applications received to grants awarded) are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations may reapply annually. The Foundation does not provide multi-year funding commitments. Successful previous grantees seeking renewal funding must:

  • Document outcomes and results from previous grant
  • Submit a new application during the standard application window
  • Provide updated organizational and program information

Application Success Factors

Alignment with Baptist's Mission: Organizations must demonstrate clear alignment with Baptist Memorial Health Care's focus on health and wellness in their service communities. Programs should address community health needs assessments and complement the health system's existing services.

Geographic Eligibility: Programs must be located in and serve communities where Baptist Memorial Health Care operates affiliated hospitals across Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi. The Foundation gives preference to organizations serving Baptist's primary service areas.

Broad Community Impact: Baptist prefers organizations with diverse funding sources rather than those relying heavily on single donors. Programs must be "open to membership and participation by the community without discrimination based on race, color, sex, age, disability or national origin."

Measurable Outcomes: Applications should include specific success metrics and evaluation methods. Organizations with documented track records of effectiveness are preferred.

Sustainable Programming: Since the Foundation does not support operating costs or overhead, strong applications demonstrate how grant funds will support specific programs or initiatives rather than general operations. The Foundation seeks programs that add value beyond existing community services.

501(c)(3) Compliance: Organizations must hold current, valid 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and maintain appropriate governance structures including an active board of directors.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Apply during the narrow window: The Foundation only accepts applications January 1 - May 31, with no rolling basis or exceptions. Missing this window means waiting a full year.

  • Focus on health-related programs: While the Foundation supports education, poverty alleviation, and quality of life, all programs should connect to health and wellness outcomes in communities served by Baptist hospitals.

  • Demonstrate community reach: Applications should emphasize broad community access and diverse funding sources. Organizations serving limited constituencies or seeking operating support are not competitive.

  • Geographic specificity matters: Clearly demonstrate that your organization and program serve communities with Baptist Memorial Health Care hospital presence in Tennessee, Arkansas, or Mississippi.

  • Budget carefully: Since overhead and employee compensation are explicitly excluded, structure your budget to emphasize program-specific expenses, equipment, or services rather than operational costs.

  • Consider in-kind alternatives: If your needs include meeting space, speakers, or health screenings, the in-kind gift program may be a faster path than waiting for the annual grant cycle.

  • Plan for October funding: With awards distributed after October 1, successful applicants should plan program implementation and cash flow accordingly, as funds arrive 4-5 months after the May 31 deadline.

References

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