The Prisma Health−Upstate Board of Directors has created a new philanthropic foundation – the Prisma Health−Upstate Foundation – to help mobilize our community to change the health trajectory of South Carolina.
The Foundation has applied for recognition by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization, with operations expected to launch in early 2024.
The foundation will be led by a board comprised of an influential and diverse set of donors, community and business leaders, and future trailblazers. These board members are pillars for growth in the coming years by raising funds, serving as ambassadors in communities served by our Upstate hospitals, and helping create new events and engagement opportunities to expand the visibility and impact of Prisma Health in the Upstate.
Much of our work together will remain the same, as our current Office of Philanthropy staff will now support the Prisma Health−Upstate Foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is changing?
The new foundation will be a separate, affiliated 501(c)(3), led by a board of directors comprised of donors, community and business leaders, and future trailblazers. The Prisma Health−Upstate Foundation Board will select their fundraising focus and priority projects, based on funding priorities submitted by executive, clinical, and academic leaders.
Our inaugural Prisma Health−Upstate Foundation Board of Directors:
Officers:
Rion Smith, Chair
Andy White, Vice Chair
Tracy Lamb, Secretary
Erin McCaskill, Treasurer
Members:
Kristin Bennett
Jim Canavos
Kelly Carson
Mike Cumby, ex officio
Annmarie Higgins, ex officio
Margaret Jenkins
Ramon Nieves-Lugo
Bob Nitto
Tyler Prescott
Clarence Sevillian, ex officio
David Williams, MD
Through our bold and committed Prisma Health-Upstate Foundation board members, we believe even more community members will experience the power and joy of philanthropy firsthand.
Once the Foundation has received recognition from the IRS as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization, private gifts in support of Prisma Health−Upstate programs will be made to and housed within the Prisma Health−Upstate Foundation. The Foundation will have a different Tax Identification Number (EIN) than the Tax ID # that was associated with the Office of Philanthropy.
What stays the same?
Prisma Health Office of Philanthropy leadership and staff will continue to be points of contact for all Upstate prospects, donors, community partners, and team members as it relates to philanthropy. This team will staff the Foundation’s Board of Directors and manage all the activities of the Foundation.
All current fund managers and signers will remain the same, as will fund descriptions and processes. Executive, clinical, and academic leadership will continue to identify and share philanthropic priorities with Foundation staff. Funds raised through the Foundation will exclusively benefit Prisma Health−Upstate and Prisma Health philanthropic priorities, as determined by these leaders.
The Office of Philanthropy will continue to coordinate private grant activity across Prisma Health in collaboration with the Office of Sponsored Programs and will manage philanthropic activity in support of Prisma Health Academics and its academic partners, including USCSOM Greenville.
The Foundation itself will not be a grant or sponsorship making entity.
Prisma Health’s four existing, affiliated foundations will continue their fundraising and engagement work in support of their respective hospitals and communities. These include:
- Oconee Memorial Hospital Foundation
- Baptist Easley Foundation
- Midlands Foundation
- The Tuomey Foundation
Why do we need a new foundation? What is the Prisma Health−Upstate Foundation going to be known for?
The unprecedented growth in the Upstate means that there are many community and business leaders who would like to increase their engagement – and that of their respective organizations and businesses – with Prisma Health−Upstate.
The new foundation will provide an opportunity for meaningful, rewarding, and impactful engagement through foundation board membership, committees that may be formed, and high-profile events. The foundation will consistently share the impact of philanthropy with the community, and board members will learn about and understand our community’s health needs, how our clinicians serve those needs, and how philanthropy helps meet those needs.
What will we do to make it successful?
Our Prisma Health−Upstate Foundation Board of Directors will engage the right individuals to serve on the Foundation Board and focus the work on expanding our reach, while continuing to engage our executive, clinical, and administrative leaders in the work of the foundation as partners and stakeholders. We’ll identify and agree on key measures of success, while placing an emphasis on stewardship and impact so that all members understand how our patients, families, and communities benefit from our collective work.
Please reach out to us for further questions. We look forward to hearing from you!
Prisma Health-Upstate Foundation
Giving@PrismaHealth.org
864 797-7746