CHI Memorial Foundation Recognized With ‘Stewardship’ and ‘Values’ Awards

CHI Memorial Foundation was recently recognized for its stewardship and values.  The Foundation received the Model Stewardship Award, and Jennifer Nicely, CHI Memorial Foundation president, received the Philanthropy Values Award during the CommonSpirit Health’s annual Philanthropy Education Summit.

The Model Stewardship Award recognizes the impact that the dollars raised make in CommonSpirit Health’s hospitals. Those funds provide new equipment, improved buildings, and programs that support patients and caregivers.

CHI Memorial Foundation transferred more than $3.2 million to the hospital last year – nearly 10 times greater than its transfers in the previous year. The Foundation was efficient – transferring five times the Foundation’s operating expenses. The staff also raised five and a half dollars for every dollar invested.   

“We are honored to receive this year’s CommonSpirit Health’s Philanthropy award for Model Stewardship,’ shares Janelle Reilly, market CEO, CHI Memorial.  “We are particularly pleased with this past year’s results, especially during these challenging times when capital was tight and the needs great.”  

The Philanthropy Values Award was created to honor one philanthropy staff member each year who embodies the CommonSpirit Health values of Compassion, Inclusion, Integrity, Excellence, and Collaboration in both daily interactions, and in life.  

Nicely received multiple nominations for the 2021 values award. One of the quotes from her nomination letter reads, “This person serves as a mentor to so many rising philanthropy leaders.  She is held in very high esteem and always makes time – no matter how busy she is – to meet with young professionals and peers.” Another person said, “Our donors, board members, and hospital staff naturally gravitate to her; she is trustworthy and genuinely concerned for people and for the needs of our hospital.”

“We are also pleased to have CommonSpirit Health recognize Jennifer.  She is not only an exceptional fundraiser with a passion for our healing ministry; she is a great human as well,” added Reilly.

The CHI Memorial Foundation is the fundraising arm of the CHI Memorial health system and exists to allow CHI Memorial to extend its mission of medical excellence further into the community.  More than 2,000 individuals, corporations, foundations, and organizations make gifts each year.  That support enables CHI Memorial to expand programs, offer educational services, and purchase innovative medical equipment. Founded in 2001, the CHI Memorial Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, which operates exclusively to steward philanthropic gifts for CHI Memorial.  To learn more or to make a donation to CHI Memorial, visit memorial.org/foundation.