A $500,000 grant from Communities Foundation of Texas made news last year when it challenged others to make matching gifts to the county hospital system.
The grant was all the more noteworthy because the donor recommending the grant from a donor-advised fund wanted to ensure anonymity and relied on the foundation to achieve this goal. Protecting the privacy of the donor upon request is just one example of the personal attention donors receive when they establish a fund at CFT. Donors’ motivations for remaining anonymous are as varied as donors themselves. In this case, the donor’s personal reasons led to a decision to work with an organization that could protect the donor’s privacy during discussions with the recipient of the grant. "I have a very strong trust level with CFT and knew the staff there would be able to help make this gift happen," the donor said. The foundation worked closely with the donor and the donor’s advisors to establish the fund and facilitate discussions with Parkland Foundation, which is using the grant to encourage others to create endowments for areas of greatest need at Parkland Health & Hospital System.
"CFT was instrumental in serving as my voice as we discussed funding opportunities with the Parkland Foundation," said the donor. "I could not have been more pleased with the outcome: providing incentives for donors to establish endowment funds at Parkland." An endowment at Parkland normally requires a gift of $25,000 or more, but with the match from the grant, donors can establish an endowment for $12,500. The grant has the potential to help create 40 endowments, turning $500,000 into $1 million that will grow and benefit
New endowments inspired by a challenge grant are benefiting several areas at Parkland Hospital & Health System, including the neonatal ICU.
Parkland for years to come. "Many Parkland patients and their families will be touched by this extraordinary gift," said David Krause, president and CEO, Parkland Foundation. "In addition, many donors who would not otherwise be able to establish an endowment will have the opportunity to support Parkland on a greater level." Using the matching challenge offered by the grant from CFT, the Parkland Foundation has already established endowments to benefit various areas of the hospital system, including the burn unit, trauma department, neonatal ICU, surgical nurse training, and women and children’s care.
The donor considers Parkland to be a key asset as it serves the county with medical care and believes the community cannot truly be great without providing for those among us who cannot provide for themselves. Through this grant, the donor was given the chance to practice a central joy in the donor’s life – giving love, giving time, and giving money. To learn more about how CFT can help you achieve your charitable giving goals, please contact Dwight Clasby, Jackie Franey or Debra Phares at 214-750-4226.