Financial Report

Why do People Give to Charities?

I doubt if the average person gives that question much thought. However in the world of fundraising it is very important. So important that there have been numerous articles written around theories and professional seminars planned to focus specifically on the “why” question. Some scholars have actually identified a series of motivators for donor behavior. Likewise, there is an entire industry that supports fundraising. Brochures are produced to entice benevolent responses and software programs are developed to “move” donors to another level of gift giving.

The industry products are certainly helpful, but they cannot reduce giving to a robotic process. Benevolence is complex. It is personal. And, above all, it is human. It is an unselfish human response to an unmet need.

Community Hospital Health Foundation is very fortunate to be the recipient of selfless gifts. Our donors give for a variety of reasons. They honor or memorialize loved one’s to commemorate a life. They respond to an annual appeal simply because they know the importance of accessibility to healthcare for the people of our region, they give to sustain and enhance the healthcare that we all enjoy. And, they give to show their appreciation for the care they or a loved one received at Community Hospital.

We do not take these gifts lightly. We know we must be good stewards of philanthropy. Our recognition program is designed to acknowledge gifts personally and publicly through our thank you letters, donor boards and our publications. We honor the donor’s choice of support by directing gifts to established funds or working with them to create a new fund. The chart on this page indicates the areas in which gifts are directed. Many of our donors give to our endowment because they trust that our Board of Directors will approve use of gifts for the greatest need. This fund allows us to respond to changing healthcare needs as they are identified.

Our donors do not respond to a process. They are driven to give by an altruistic, unselfish regard for or devotion to the welfare of others. We are truly grateful.

Terri Shipshock
Executive Director
Community Hospital Health Foundation

View 2009 financial report