Identifying a New Foundation’s “Why”

We surveyed board members and Foundation staff to determine their personal “why” and where they hoped the Foundation could make an impact in the community. In addition, we held in-depth interviews with select board members.

We then led a two-hour on-site session where we presented results from the survey and conversations, coupled with insights from Jarrard’s national consumer research on perceptions of hospitals’ and health systems’ community benefit. We wanted the board to consider how it might sharpen the mission considering consumers’ devolving trust in healthcare organizations’ commitment to patients over profits. From there, we engaged in interactive activities and discussion to glean further insights.

We utilized all these insights to develop three conceptual mission/purpose statements. The Foundation’s leadership was thrilled with the options and felt the voices of their board and staff were well reflected.