Local Program Spotlight

Chattanooga’s CHI Memorial Foundation Sets Impressive Record for Funds Transferred to the Hospitals in their Region

Chicago, Ill. (April 22, 2021) – CommonSpirit Health philanthropy’s CHI Memorial Foundation in Chattanooga, Tenn. has distinguished itself within the system for its significant transfer of donor contributions to the hospitals and clinics it serves. When donor dollars are transferred to the hospitals in greater amounts year-after-year, it provides new equipment, improved buildings and critical programs that support patients and caregivers.

In fiscal year 2020, CHI Memorial Foundation transferred over $3.2 million in donor support to the hospitals in its region. Over this same period, the foundation raised an impressive five and half dollars for every dollar invested in philanthropy.

“We are exceptionally fortunate to have active and engaged donors who value investment into the health care of the communities we serve,” says Jennifer Nicely, President of CHI Memorial Foundation. “We are able to work with them to partner on both large scale efforts as well as the essential programs we fund each year for equipment, salaries for non-reimbursable positions and our programs to care for the underserved within our region.”

The foundation provided funding for several notable projects as a part of their $3.2 million transfer. With donor support, they helped open a fourth location for the MaryEllen Locher Breast Center in Georgia and provided funding for a new 3-D mobile mammography bus to take cancer screening, diagnosis and prevention efforts directly into the community. Elsewhere donor investment helped fund the renovation of the Chattanooga Heart Institute building, including naming the lobby in honor of Dr. Eric Conn, a long-time cardiologist, hospital board chair and beloved hospital community member.

In recognition of their performance, CHI Memorial Foundation’s team was honored with the Model Stewardship Award at CommonSpirit Health®’s Philanthropy Education Summit 2021. This recognition distinguishes the foundation among CommonSpirit’s 80+ fundraising offices across the ministry.

###