Providence Inland Northwest Foundation announces $8.4 million in funds distribution, elects new board members
In 2021, Providence Inland Northwest Foundation (formerly Providence Health Care Foundation) committed to distribute $8.4 million to fund programs, projects, and equipment at the six Providence hospitals in Spokane and Stevens counties. This is an increase from $2.7 million in 2020.
“As the world of health care becomes increasingly complex, philanthropy is more important than ever,” said Colleen M. Fox, Providence Inland Northwest Foundation chief philanthropy officer. “As we all know, it’s been a challenging couple of years. Thanks to our generous donors we were able to raise more than $9.6 million in 2021 to support important initiatives that help Providence offer world-class health care to our region – even during a pandemic.”
The Foundation supports a wide range of items, from highly specialized medical equipment and building renovations, to gas cards that help struggling families travel to medical appointments. It raises money from individuals and organizations through fundraising campaigns, grants, bequests and local donations to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
Key programs supported by the Foundation in 2021 include:
- A surgical robot that has revolutionized complex spine surgeries at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center.
- A new “Quiet Room” in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Providence Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital, offering families a calm, private place to gather and regroup during difficult times.
- A new infusion center at Providence Holy Family Hospital for cancer and multiple sclerosis patients.
- Pediatric therapy equipment at Providence St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Medical Center.
- In-home care to elderly and frail individuals in Stevens County that allows them to remain safely in their homes.
“One hundred percent of the money we raise stays right here in our community and goes directly to programs and services, not to overhead and salaries,” said Fox. A grants allocation committee, made up of community members and hospital leaders, meets monthly to review funding requests and make recommendations for Foundation board approval.
New board members elected
Providence Inland Northwest Foundation elected four new members to its board of directors:
Jill Christiansen, community volunteer; Theresa Helmbrecht, community volunteer; Alicia O’Mary, Washington Trust Bank; and Nick Pierre, Northern Quest Resort & Casino.