In 2003, the Carilion Foundation funded Roanoke Care Connection for Children-Maxillofacial Clinic in Roanoke. The clinic provides a multi-disciplinary program to serve children with cleft lip and palate disorders.

The Carilion Community Health Fund (CCHF) was established in 1997 to invest in visionary programs dedicated to enhancing the health of communities.

In 2001, the Carilion Health System (CHS) Board of Directors established the Carilion Foundation (CF) to provide a stable funding source for CCHF activities, administer CHS-restricted endowments and acknowledge Carilion’s community responsibility to participate in projects that can help make the region a better place to live and work.

Carilion Foundation dedicates resources to projects that:
• Demonstrate innovative or replicable models for delivery of primary and preventive healthcare services
• Improve access to healthcare services
• Educate and motivate individuals to improve their health
• Champion non-duplicative and collaborative initiatives to reduce health risks
• Enhance overall quality of life

Concept papers are accepted anytime and are reviewed September 10 and February 10 each year. Proposals are invited and awards are made twice each year, in November and April. In awarding these grants, our organization is investing in our communities by cultivating networks of service that demonstrate tangible benefit to people.

In 2003, the Carilion Foundation funded the Giles County Health and Family – Intergenerational and Child Care Program.

Funding decisions are made and approved by foundation and hospital boards. In 2005, 55 proposal awards were made in the amount of $2.9 million. Proposal awards were aligned with Carilion Foundation priorities to improve the health and well-being of children, families and communities in western Virginia. Since 1997, the Foundation has awarded almost $19 million to more than 450 organizations.

Moving Forward

Carilion Foundation grants will continue to be awarded to programs that show broad community commitment through matching cash and in-kind services. These projects will effectively combine the resources of health and human service organizations, schools, public health departments, the economic and business sectors, local governments and churches. The foundation will continue to develop partnerships that enhance community health and well-being by building collaborative networks, reducing duplication of efforts, and maximizing the efficiency and effectiveness of programs to enhance community health and overall quality of life in the region.

Keys to Successful Proposals

A successful grant proposal will:

• Target a clearly defined, underserved population.
• Display broad-based community commitment and collaboration.
• Identify specific indicators to be improved.
• Demonstrate that at least 25 percent of the project costs are underwritten by the community.
• Reflect strong organizational leadership.
• Present a viable plan to sustain funding.
• Provide ongoing evaluation of the project.

For more information, see Indicators Of A Successful Project and review the application packet.

Questions

Questions about the fund should be directed to Beth Whitely or Susan Gring, director of the Carilion Foundation, at (540) 581-0175, or to hospital directors at your local Carilion hospital.