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.