SANFORD HEALTH FOUNDATION2023 OTHER AREAS OF IMPACT
THE POWER OFENDOWMENT
Total held in Endowment Funds: $157 million
Total Endowment Funds: 1,148
Average Return on Investment: 9.23%
Endowment funds carry the names, hopes and charitable intentions of visionary donors who are passionate about improving the future of health care. We’re privileged to manage hundreds of endowment funds, which grow over time thanks to thoughtful investment strategies. Earnings from these permanent funds are distributed annually to help advance new treatments, pioneer life-saving medical research and further define the future of health care across our region.
A GIFT THAT KEEPS GIVING
Rob and Leanne Jordahl
For Rob and Leanne Jordahl, giving to Sanford Health is an expression of gratitude. After their newborn son required life-saving care from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Sanford Children’s in Fargo, the hospital quickly became much more than a medical facility — it became a sanctuary for hope, love and miracles.
“We received supportive and compassionate care from everyone. Their guidance and understanding helped us through a difficult time.”
— Leanne Jordahl, Fargo philanthropist
GIVING FORGUARDIAN ANGELS
165 Guardian Angel Awards Presented
The story of Sanford Health is written by our doctors, nurses and staff members who touch the lives of patients and families every day through exceptional care and kindness. The Guardian Angel Program is a special way grateful patients and families can recognize exceptional caregivers who’ve made a difference. 100% of their gifts of gratitude go toward helping future patients and families in their communities.
GUARDIAN ANGEL HONOREE
Dr. Jessica Sedevie
Obstetrics and gynecology, Bismarck
“Dr. Sedevie is the best-of-the-best when it comes to providing care for pregnant women. She genuinely cares, and it’s obvious that she loves what she does. It reassures me that we are in great hands, and our baby is already so well-cared for.” — Bismarck patient
GIVING FOR THEEMPLOYEE CRISIS PROGRAM
Over $2.1 million in assistance provided
For Sanford employees facing extraordinary and unexpected financial hardships, the Employee Crisis Assistance Program is a lifeline to hope and healing. Thanks to the generosity of donors who are passionate about supporting our health care heroes and staff, we’ve provided more than $2.1 million in assistance to more than 2,100 employees since 2020.
EMPLOYEE CRISIS PROGRAM RECIPIENT
Leigh Merritt
“About a year ago, I was suffering from some serious health issues,” Merritt said. “It was such a difficult time. I reached out to the Employee Crisis Program and received assistance for rent, groceries and gas. That was just a lifesaver for me.”
Now fully recovered, Merritt remains grateful for the support — so much so that she recently made the decision to pay the kindness forward.
GIVINGBY EMPLOYEES
32% Employee Participation
No matter what our role is at Sanford Health, we’re all united by a common calling to care. At the Sanford Health Foundation, we couldn’t be more grateful for colleagues who choose to live out that calling in a special way as an employee donor.
EMPLOYEE GIVINGPARTICIPATION
- Executives: 92%
- Directors: 75%
- Physicians: 51%
- Foundation staff: 100%
Employees can support any cause close to their heart through payroll deduction or one-time gifts. Donations of PTO can also be made to support the Employee Crisis Program.
EMPLOYEE GIVING
Sarah Hedeen
Registered nurse and clinical research manager Sarah Hedeen barely remembers making her first gift in 1995. But her decision then to give $1 a paycheck to the Employee Crisis Fund sparked a legacy of giving through the Sanford Health Foundation that has added up in a bigger way than she ever could have imagined.
“My truth is quite simple—I give because I can. I have been very fortunate in my life, but I know others who have not been as lucky. I want to help others who are going through difficult situations.”
—Sarah Hedeen, Sanford Employee & Foundation Donor
IMPACTING CHANGE THROUGHA PLANNED GIFT
Over 200 Donors with Planned Gifts
Our Legacy Society – a community of donors who are making Sanford Health apart of their lasting legacy through a planned gift – continues to grow, and we couldn’t be more thankful.
LEAVING A LEGACY OF CARE
Greg Sands
Inspired by his own personal experiences and his passion for helping others, Sands recently established a planned gift through the Sanford Health Foundation to support Sanford Behavioral Health and its future work in addiction services.
“I am a big believer in supporting mental health and addiction services throughout our community. I see it constantly in the construction industry and I see it everywhere in our community. It’s a community problem.”
—Greg Sands, Sioux Falls philanthropist