The Role of Philanthropy in Healthcare

Jason Kraiss, Associate Vice President MCW Office of Institutional Advancement

One of the characteristics that distinguishes elite academic medical institutions is the presence of long-established and growing donor-supported endowments and current-use funds that provide financial resources for scholarly activities such as research and education.

Although not always considered by the public in evaluating a university or college’s reputation, access to philanthropic funds plays a critical role in recruiting top-tier faculty to an institution.

These funds are also a measure of the trust philanthropists have in the mission and leadership of an institution to drive new knowledge while also leaving a legacy for the benefactors and their families.

Philanthropy bridges the gaps in healthcare by providing clinicians and researchers with essential funds to develop new innovations, investigate new discoveries, and provide educational training and growth opportunities for the next generation of healthcare providers.

Through the We Care Fund within the Department of Surgery, MCW accelerates the development of advanced, life-saving solutions by providing funding opportunities for faculty to trailblaze and pioneer new medicine. With more than $2.1 million raised in the last 12 years, the We Care Fund has supported 21 grants that have investigated an array of new ideas by faculty of all stages of their careers. Many grant recipients have received additional funding from world-renowned institutions, such as the National Institutes of Health, for their innovative research.

“Having the ability to offer a named faculty position or access to a fund supporting research activities as part of an overall recruiting package is of immense importance.”

— Dr. Joseph Kerschner, MD, Provost and Executive Vice President of the Medical College of Wisconsin

Join us today as we continue to raise philanthropic support for the We Care Fund. Your generosity will provide patients and families with hope through advanced treatments for cancer, organ failure, complications from trauma, and cardiovascular diseases.

If you would like to donate, please visit us online using the QR code. If you would like to make a gift with cash or a check, please print the Giving Form at https://www.mcw. edu/giving/ways-to-give/donatenow and make your check payable to the Medical College of Wisconsin. Please be sure to indicate that you would like your gift directed to the We Care Fund. Please send your gift to the address listed below:

Jason Kraiss Associate Vice President MCW Office of Institutional Advancement P.O. Box 26509 Milwaukee, WI 53226