CommonSpirit Health's Philanthropy Virtual Summit
Chicago, Ill. (February 25, 2026) – CommonSpirit Health®’s Philanthropy Summit was held in a virtual format. Bringing together approximately 300 philanthropy professionals across 21 states, the event featured dozens of live audience watch sites across the country.
Opening the Summit with vision and leadership
The broadcast began with a warm welcome from Nancy Bussani, Chief Philanthropy Officer and President of CommonSpirit Health Foundation, who emphasized the importance of togetherness in advancing CommonSpirit’s mission.
“To learn from each other and allow the power and scale of our organization to drive our opportunities to become better together. We’re leveling up by working together.”
— Nancy Bussani,
Chief Philanthropy Officer and President of CommonSpirit Health Foundation
Successes and learnings from across the ministry
Regional Philanthropy leaders shared progress, challenges and opportunities within their functions and connected how their work supports and is supported by philanthropy.
Charlie Guida, Vice President of Philanthropy, Central Region, shared examples of the impact that philanthropy has made in communities in his region, including the Red Rose program that provides free access to life-saving breast cancer treatments in the Las Vegas area. Over the life of the program, and was supported by the 2023 Philanthropist of the Year Phillie Award winner Kris Englestadt, it has provided almost 6,000 mammograms, 5,000 ultrasounds, and 1,000 biopsies, leading to nearly 200 breast cancer diagnoses and surgical treatments.
“Every day, we make a distinct impact on the health of our communities by connecting donors to our mission to improve the health of people we serve,” says Guida. When donors give to support our mission, their kindness magnifies our impact for people who otherwise would not have access to care.”
The leadership group spoke to strategic planning and a continuous focus on achieving efficiencies as key reasons why CommonSpirit Health exceeded industry benchmarks with a $5.26 Return on Investment in Fiscal Year 2025 and was once again named an Overall High Performer by the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy.
The biggest differentiator these experts credited is people: the mission-driven philanthropy staff who endeavor to match a donor’s interest with the needs in the community.
“Philanthropy is local,” says Jennifer Nicely, Vice President of Philanthropy, South Region. “ It is about the local relationships between individuals”
A celebration of collaboration and impact: The Phillie Awards
A highlight of the Summit was the Phillie Awards Ceremony, honoring outstanding achievements in philanthropy across CommonSpirit’s network. This year’s winners demonstrated exceptional dedication and impact:
Board Director of the Year: Bill Sonsin (Yavapai Regional Medical Center Foundation, Prescott, Ariz.)
Recognized for consistently giving his resources, efforts, recruitment, advocacy, in ways that supports his community and foundation.
Philanthropist of the Year: Barrow Neurological Foundation Women’s Board (Barrow Neurological Foundation, Phoenix, Ariz.)
Honored for their efforts to raise over $124 million since 1965 for critical research, including a record-breaking $14.4 million in fiscal year 2025. Their impact extends to creating endowed chairs and fellowship programs, and funding advanced training for over 400 nurses.
Philanthropy Champion of the Year: Shelly Schlenker, Executive Vice President, Chief Advocacy Officer, CommonSpirit Health
Awarded for translating policy into actionable insights , which has been instrumental in securing government funding for critical initiatives, fostering innovation, and advancing our shared mission.
Philanthropy Values Award: Kathy Taylor (CHI St. Vincent Foundation, Little Rock, Ark.)
Celebrated for her compassionate leadership and commitment to serving others.
Region of the Year: California Region
Achieved outstanding fundraising growth, increased total fundraising revenue by 13% over fiscal year 2024 — nearly double the 7% growth benchmark. That kind of growth, at regional scale, requires discipline, alignment, and relentless focus.
Largest Gift Award: Sequoia Hospital Foundation (Redwood City, CA) Secured a transformative $12.6 million gift in support of cardiovascular care.
Foundation of the Year: St. Joseph's Foundation of San Joaquin (Stockton, CA)
Recognized for its remarkable fundraising success, increasing revenue by 10% over last fiscal year, while keeping cost-raise-a dollar at only $0.15 for every $1.00 raised.
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