Boards and Philanthropy: Developing the Next-Curve Revenue Source for Health Care

As health care organizations seek new revenue sources to support the transition from volume- to value-based care, they may be overlooking or underutilizing an existing source of funding. A new Center publication, Boards and Philanthropy: Developing the Next-Curve Revenue Source for Health Care, discusses the important role that philanthropy can play for hospitals and health systems, and how governing boards and foundation boards can work together to multiply the impact of charitable giving to the organization’s mission.

Author Betsy Chapin Taylor, who leads the consulting firm Accordant Philanthropy, discusses the power of charitable giving to build strong connections between health care organizations and the communities they serve. She distinguishes “philanthropy” from “fundraising” and zeroes in on the role of the board in supporting and elevating charitable giving through activities such as:

• Supporting CEO engagement with philanthropy.
• Creating a compelling case for philanthropic support.
• Engaging patients and physicians in charitable giving.
• Applying business diligence to the fund development process.
• Investing in the development function.

This publication includes a variety of tools and resources that can help clarify and support the role of the board and board members to participate in and oversee philanthropic activities. These include delineation of governing board and foundation board roles and responsibilities, sample metrics for monitoring fund development goals, suggested talking points board members can use in approaching potential donors and questions boards can ask to evaluate their understanding and level of participation in supporting fund development.

This publication can support the board’s orientation and ongoing development activities, as background reading for board education or retreat sessions. It also can provide context for boards as they consider the role philanthropy can play as a strategic resource to support the organization’s future priorities and goals.

For more information or to order, contact the Center at 888-540-6111, email info@americangovernance.com, or visit the AHA Online Store.

To download a PDF, click here »