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HCA Healthcare Foundation

Annual Giving
$13.0M
Grant Range
$25K - $1.8M
Decision Time
3mo

HCA Healthcare Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $13 million+ (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: 3 weeks for inquiry response; quarterly grant cycles
  • Grant Range: $25,000 - $1,840,000+ (varies by program)
  • Geographic Focus: Middle Tennessee (Middle Tennessee Fund); National (Healthier Tomorrow Fund)

Contact Details

HCA Healthcare Foundation One Park Plaza, Building I – 4th Floor East Nashville, TN 37203

Phone: (615) 344-2390 Website: https://hcacaring.org

Overview

Established in 1992, the HCA Healthcare Foundation is the philanthropic arm of HCA Healthcare, one of the nation's leading healthcare providers. Since 1998, the Foundation has contributed over $300 million in grants and matching gifts to more than 14,000 agencies and organizations. In 2024 alone, the Foundation invested over $13 million through grants to 247 agencies and nonprofit organizations through its Middle Tennessee and Healthier Tomorrow Funds. The Foundation's mission is to promote health and well-being and strive to make a positive impact in all the communities HCA Healthcare serves. In 2020, the Foundation established the Healthier Tomorrow Fund, originally an $80 million community impact fund (now exceeding $200 million), to expand its robust work beyond Middle Tennessee to other communities where HCA Healthcare has a presence. The Foundation also plays a significant role in developing nonprofit leadership by training and supporting HCA Healthcare colleagues to serve on nonprofit boards of directors.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Middle Tennessee Fund (Established 1997)

  • Grant Range: Varies; applications under $15,000 use streamlined process, over $15,000 use comprehensive application
  • Example Grants: $52,000 to Columbia State Community College, $25,000 to Junior League of Tampa
  • Total 2024 Giving: Over $6.7 million to 204 nonprofit agencies
  • Application Method: Quarterly cycles (Q2, Q3, Q4) with specific deadlines
  • Geographic Focus: Davidson, Williamson, Wilson, Rutherford, Cheatham, Dickson, Robertson, or Sumner Counties in Tennessee
  • Eligibility: 501(c)(3) status for minimum 3 years; operating budget between $500,000-$20 million

Healthier Tomorrow Fund (Established 2020)

  • Grant Range: $25,000 - $1,840,000+ (larger strategic grants for evidence-informed programs)
  • Example Grants: $1.84 million to United Way, $1.5 million to March of Dimes, $1 million to Educate Texas
  • Total 2024 Giving: $6.4 million across 15 divisions
  • Application Method: Invitation-only
  • Geographic Focus: National (communities where HCA Healthcare operates)

Capital Requests

  • Application Method: Invitation-only, Q4 only (Middle Tennessee Fund)

Matching Gifts Program

  • Each HCA Healthcare colleague can access up to $1,000 annually in matching funds ($500 for HCA Healthcare Hope Fund, $500 for other charities)
  • Minimum gift: $25 per organization

Volunteer Recognition Grants

  • Colleagues earn $200 for their chosen charity for every 10 hours of volunteer work through Care Cards
  • Team HCA grants up to $500 in material costs for group service projects

Priority Areas

Middle Tennessee Fund Focus Areas:

  • Basic needs
  • Primary care
  • Health and well-being
  • Early childhood through secondary education
  • Arts (supporting Middle Tennessee arts organizations)

Healthier Tomorrow Fund Focus Areas:

  • Heart health and cardiovascular wellness
  • Mental wellness and behavioral health
  • Healthy starts for young families and maternal health
  • Fighting food insecurity
  • Increasing opportunity and access to healthcare careers
  • Improving access to cancer care
  • Health equity initiatives

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not explicitly detailed in public materials, though the Foundation emphasizes supporting organizations with established relationships with HCA Healthcare through board involvement, volunteerism, or staff encouragement.

Governance and Leadership

The HCA Healthcare Foundation is governed by a board that oversees strategic direction and grant-making decisions. The Foundation places strong emphasis on developing nonprofit leadership capacity in communities. Each year, the Foundation provides Nashville-based colleagues with OnBoard Training, where participants learn about board roles and responsibilities, strategic planning, financials, and fundraising to become effective nonprofit board members. The HCA Healthcare Foundation Forums hosts quarterly gatherings for HCA Healthcare-supported agencies and board members to discuss community and nonprofit needs. While specific trustee names and quotes were not publicly available in current materials, the Foundation's leadership emphasizes authentic relationships with HCA Healthcare colleagues as a key factor in funding decisions.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Middle Tennessee Fund (Public Application Process):

  1. For New Applicants:

    • Complete Applicant Inquiry Form through GrantsConnect platform
    • Wait for approval from Foundation staff (expect response within 3 weeks)
    • "New applicants" includes organizations never funded OR not funded in past 18 months
    • Upon approval, proceed to full application

  2. For Returning Applicants:

    • Use existing GrantsConnect/Blackbaud ID credentials to access applicant portal
    • Submit application during open cycle

  3. Application Requirements:

    • Organizations must be 501(c)(3) for minimum 3 years
    • Headquartered in Davidson, Williamson, Wilson, Rutherford, Cheatham, Dickson, Robertson, or Sumner Counties
    • Operating budget between $500,000-$20 million
    • Strong relationship with HCA Healthcare through board-level involvement, volunteerism, or staff encouragement
    • Applications under $15,000 use streamlined form; over $15,000 use comprehensive application

  4. Practical Tips:

    • Set up login using generic email (e.g., grants@yournonprofit.org) so multiple staff can access
    • For sponsorship requests, submit 3 months prior to event date
    • Attend optional Office Hours sessions before deadlines

Healthier Tomorrow Fund (Invitation-Only):

  • No public application process
  • Foundation identifies and invites organizations with evidence-informed programs addressing high-priority community health needs
  • Contact Foundation staff at (615) 344-2390 to discuss potential fit

Decision Timeline

Middle Tennessee Fund - 2026 Grant Cycles:

QuarterOffice HoursApplication DeadlineBoard Decision
Q2February 5March 6May 6
Q3May 14June 19August 26
Q4August 12September 11November 11

General Timeline:

  • Inquiry response: Within 3 weeks
  • Application to decision: Approximately 2-3 months (depending on quarterly cycle)

Success Rates

Specific success rates are not publicly disclosed. However, context suggests moderate competition:

  • 2024: 247 organizations funded across both funds
  • 2023: 234 organizations funded
  • Since 1998: Over 14,000 agencies and organizations have received support

The Foundation has awarded 892 grants based on available data (timeframe not specified), suggesting multiple organizations receive funding multiple times.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations that have not received funding from the Foundation must wait 18 months before being considered a "new applicant" again. After this period, they must complete the Applicant Inquiry Form and receive approval before submitting a full application.

Unsuccessful applicants can reapply after the 18-month waiting period. Organizations with recent funding (within 18 months) can apply as returning applicants without going through the inquiry process again.

Application Success Factors

Critical Relationship Requirements

The Foundation explicitly prioritizes organizations with strong, authentic relationships with HCA Healthcare colleagues, most often reflected through:

  • HCA Healthcare employees serving on boards of directors
  • Regular HCA Healthcare volunteers actively engaged with the organization
  • HCA Healthcare donors supporting the organization
  • Encouragement from HCA Healthcare Foundation staff members

This relationship requirement is the single most important factor for success, particularly for the Middle Tennessee Fund.

Evidence-Informed Programming (Healthier Tomorrow Fund)

For larger strategic grants through the Healthier Tomorrow Fund, the Foundation seeks:

  • Evidence-informed programs with demonstrated effectiveness
  • Initiatives designed to pilot, replicate, and scale meaningful solutions
  • Measurable impact addressing high-priority community health needs
  • Alignment with Foundation's five key focus areas (healthcare careers, mental wellness, heart health, cancer care access, healthy starts)

Organizational Capacity

  • Established organizations (3+ years as 501(c)(3))
  • Operating budgets between $500,000-$20 million (Middle Tennessee Fund)
  • Geographic service area alignment with Foundation priorities
  • Demonstrated community impact and track record

Recent Funded Projects Examples

Healthcare Career Pathways:

  • $1 million to Educate Texas (2025) for healthcare career access in P-TECH programs
  • $1 million to Consortium of Florida Education Foundations (2024) for Career Pathways to a Healthier Florida
  • $250,000 to community colleges and universities plus $130,000 to Urban League of Broward County (2023)

Maternal and Child Health:

  • $1.84 million to United Way (2025) for United for Healthy Starts collaboration
  • $1.5 million to March of Dimes (2025) for Low Dose, Big Benefits campaign

Community Health:

  • $25,000 to Junior League of Tampa for diaper bank nonprofit
  • $52,000 to Columbia State Community College

What Makes Applications Stand Out

  1. Demonstrated HCA Healthcare relationship - Board members, volunteers, or donors from HCA Healthcare
  2. Alignment with Foundation focus areas - Particularly health equity, healthcare workforce, and community health priorities
  3. Clear, measurable impact - Specific outcomes and evaluation plans
  4. Geographic fit - Serving Middle Tennessee communities or areas where HCA Healthcare operates
  5. Organizational readiness - Appropriate budget size and operational capacity
  6. Strategic timing - Submitting 3 months ahead for events, allowing time for inquiry review

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Relationship is paramount: Cultivate authentic connections with HCA Healthcare colleagues through board service, volunteerism, or community partnerships before applying. This is not optional—it's a stated priority.

  • Choose the right fund: Middle Tennessee Fund for local organizations ($500K-$20M budget); Healthier Tomorrow Fund is invitation-only for larger strategic initiatives with proven impact.

  • Wait for the 18-month reset: If previously unsuccessful or unfunded, wait the full 18 months before reapplying to be considered a "new applicant."

  • Demonstrate measurable impact: Particularly for Healthier Tomorrow Fund, show evidence-informed approaches with clear outcomes in healthcare careers, mental wellness, heart health, cancer care, or maternal health.

  • Start with the inquiry: New Middle Tennessee Fund applicants must complete the Applicant Inquiry Form and receive staff approval before applying—expect 3 weeks for response.

  • Leverage quarterly cycles strategically: Middle Tennessee Fund offers three opportunities per year (Q2, Q3, Q4)—attend Office Hours sessions to strengthen your application.

  • Think beyond the grant: The Foundation offers matching gifts, volunteer recognition grants, and nonprofit board training—multiple pathways to partnership with HCA Healthcare Foundation.

References

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