September 14, 2022

The Foundation is aware of concerns expressed by some members of the community in regards to West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation’s role in the upcoming Jackson TN Pride event and would like to clarify misinformation which has developed.

Although The Foundation supports philanthropic initiatives of the health system, it is a separate 501 (c)(3) organization governed by its own Board of Trustees. The Foundation is home to almost 500 funds, including community project funds, scholarship funds, donor advised funds, and endowments. These funds serve a variety of interests including health, education, animal welfare, the arts, etc.

The State of Tennessee requires entities requesting charitable donations to be licensed by the state. To comply with state laws, every fund of The Foundation is required to unmistakably establish itself as “a fund of the West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation” on all marketing and promotional materials.

Jackson TN Pride is a community project fund of The Foundation. While The Foundation does not provide direct monetary support for its community project funds, it serves as a fiscal sponsor. As a fiscal sponsor, The Foundation provides fiduciary oversight, financial management, and other administrative services. This allows a community project fund to solicit donations restricted to its specific fund.

West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. The Foundation’s mission is to strengthen the health and well-being of the communities served through support of philanthropic initiatives. Improving the health and well-being of communities involves respecting individual differences including, but not limited to, race, creed, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics, as well as education, geographic origin, and skill characteristics. Diversity encompasses the perspective of respecting others and valuing each other’s uniqueness.

For additional questions, contact The Foundation at (731)984-2144 or Beth.Koffman@wth.org.