Working together helps Ascension’s philanthropic foundations succeed

Foundation Leaders Share Their Best Practices Through The Ascension Philanthropy Leadership Council

Across Ascension, philanthropic foundations based in the markets support our ministries financially through fundraising activities and personal outreach. The money raised goes to capital equipment, building projects, programs that help individuals receiving care, direct support for those in need and more.

Now, through the Ascension Philanthropy Leadership Council (APLC), leaders of these foundations have been sharing best practices and working together on forward-thinking approaches. Below, APLC Chair Ann Haupt, Vice President, Ascension Indiana Foundations, and Francesca Overwater, Vice President, Strategic Philanthropy, Ascension Foundation, talk about the work of the APLC and what the group looks forward to in the future.

Q: What are some benefits of the APLC?

Francesca: Over the past two years, the APLC established six multidisciplinary centers of excellence to develop more efficient and impactful structures in operations, finance and communications that both align with the System and support all market-based foundations as we help our ministries fulfill our Mission. This collaboration has helped make it possible for our foundations to accomplish the critical work they do throughout the year to help our ministries expand access and services.

Ann: A major benefit of the APLC’s work has been to collect and share best practices and policies, spearheaded by the national Ascension Foundation, that work for all of our market-based foundations. This frees up our development team members to spend more time direct fundraising with donors and less time on the various organizational elements that each of our foundations needs to have in place. Developing strong relationships with donors is key to our foundations’ success in supporting our caregivers in their work.

Q: What’s next for the APLC?

Ann: The APLC is committed to building best-in-class fundraising teams. Ensuring each of our foundations is able to align fundraising priorities with the strategic direction of the hospitals in their market is imperative. Additionally, our fundraising boards are vital to our success. Equipping them to lead philanthropic outreach across our communities of donors is an area we believe we can all improve — all in service of our Mission.

Q: What changes have you seen as a result of the APLC?

Ann: I have had the opportunity to see the APLC grow in new directions and work with an incredible group of leaders. All of us have been able to grow both personally and professionally as a result of the relationships we have built among our foundation leaders, and as a result, our work in support of our ministries is that much stronger.

Francesca: Leading APLC initiatives has been really inspiring. The collaboration is successful because of the people. In the face of challenges and opportunities to develop and grow fundraising in all of Ascension’s foundations, there’s great solidarity, and the work is that much more enjoyable and meaningful when done together.

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