Charitable Giving Guidelines

Baptist makes contributions to IRS-designated 501(c)(3) organizations. We support programs that align with our Community Health Needs Assessment, aid diverse health needs and add value to the scope of services offered by nonprofit organizations. We typically do not support operating costs or capital campaigns and give preference to organizations that have a broad base of funding sources.

Baptist’s funding priorities include the following:

  • Chronic disease and healthy living
  • Education
  • Poverty
  • Quality of life
  • Language/DEI

Baptist does not fund:

  • Organizations that do not have 501(c)(3) status
  • Individuals
  • Religious institutions, unless the request is to support a health care initiative that is open to the whole community
  • Organizations with a limited constituency, such as fraternal or labor groups
  • Travel by groups or individuals
  • National conferences, sports events and other one-time, short-term events
  • Sponsorships that only provide marketing and/or advertising benefits
  • Courtesy advertising in journals or newsletters
  • Anti-business groups
  • Team sponsorships or athletic scholarships
  • Overhead expenses, including employee salaries and benefits

How To Apply For A Charitable Contribution

Organizations that wish to submit a request for charitable contributions should first ensure that their requests align with our giving guidelines. They can then apply online between Jan. 1 and May 31. Applicants will be notified if their requests are approved and contributions will be awarded after Oct.1.

Baptist will consider requests from charitable, non-profit organizations* that meet the following criteria:

  • The organization and program meet at least one of Baptist’s defined funding priorities
  • The organization provides proof of qualifying non-profit status, including a tax-exempt determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service
  • The organization and program are in a community served by Baptist Memorial Health Care-affiliated hospitals
  • The organization and program are open to membership and participation by the community without discrimination based on race, color, sex, age, disability or national origin

All requests for contributions should include the following information:

  • Name, address and telephone number of the organization
  • Contact person and title
  • Background information, including history and purpose of the organization
  • Copy of the IRS exemption letter verifying 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
  • Latest audited financial report or a financial statement
  • Current program budget and sources of income
  • List of names and professional affiliations of the board of directors and trustees
  • Purpose and objectives of the program
  • Needs being addressed
  • Plan of action and timeframe
  • Qualifications of program's staff
  • Total funding required and projected resources
  • The amount requested
  • How the program's success will be determined/measured
  • Description of population to be served
  • Plans to recognize Baptist's support
  • Proposals funded in any one year are not assured of future funding. If renewed funding is desired, the organization should submit documentation of outcomes and a new request the following year.
  • Itemized Proposal budget

How To Request In-Kind Contributions

Baptist contributes in-kind gifts—goods or services instead of monetary contributions—to nonprofit organizations through programs, seminars, health fairs, board participation, events, employee engagement and other avenues. Requests for in-kind gifts must meet our giving guidelines and should be submitted online at least eight (8) weeks prior to the event/need by date.

Examples of in-kind giving include the following:

  • Meeting space
  • Programs
  • Speakers
  • Health screenings
  • Other services

All requests for in-kind donations should include the following information:

  • Name, address and telephone number of the organization
  • Contact person and title
  • Background information, including history and purpose of the organization
  • Copy of the IRS exemption letter verifying 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
  • Latest audited financial report or a financial statement
  • Current operating budget and sources of income
  • List of names and professional affiliations of the board of directors and trustees
  • Purpose and objectives of the program
  • Needs being addressed
  • Plan of action and timeframe
  • Qualifications of program's staff
  • Service or resources needed
  • How the project's success will be determined/measured
  • Description of population to be served
  • Plans to recognize Baptist's support

*Non-charitable requests will also be considered and judged based on marketing and advertising merit.