MORE THAN 50 YEARS OF LOCAL HEALTH SOLUTIONS
Bloomington Health Foundation has been the local philanthropic expert for improving community health for more than 50 years. Thanks to the efforts of our donors, business leaders and other partnerships, we work together to improve the health and well-being of all people.
Our Mission
To empower community partners and others to eliminate adverse health issues, remove access barriers, and improve health outcomes.
Our Vision
To convene community partnerships that work together to improve the health and well-being of all people.
Our Core Values
- Collaborative – BHF will achieve more by working together
- Inclusive – BHF will embrace differences with respect
- Innovative – BHF will encourage bold solutions to tough problems
- Excellence – BHF will strive to excel in every aspect of the organization
- Empowering – BHF will encourage and strengthen community partners
- Good Stewards – BHF will plan and manage resources responsibly
- Impactful – BHF will improve health outcomes by measuring effectiveness
- Connective – BHF will bridge social gaps using partnerships and resources
Our History
1960s
The Bloomington Hospital Foundation of the Local Council of Women (LCW) was established in 1965 after three years of planning and research with a treasury of $3,000. The inaugural Hospital Benefit Ball (now known as the Gala) was held at the College Mall in 1966 with comedian Joan Rivers as the entertainment. In 1967, BHF became incorporated.
1980s
In 1982, the Foundation donated $191,835 to the hospital expansion program. Starting in 1984, all major proposals were filtered through the board. Generous donations throughout the decade from COOK allowed for an automated antimicrobial susceptibility system and the Cook Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory.
2000s
The Foundation kicked off the century with its inaugural Hoosiers Outrun Cancer. In 2001, BHF raised a then-record $1 million and the Bloomington Hospital broke ground on a helipad, thanks to a donor drive of more than $130,000. 2007 saw the opening of a newly-renovated Cardiac Cath Lab, thanks to a $1.4 million allocation from the Bloomington Hospital Auxiliary. The Tichenor Fund for Children’s Therapy was created to ensure that children with special needs in our community would have access to the latest equipment and resources.
2013
The New Beginnings campaign raised $720,000 to provide critical upgrades to the Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, allowing the Hospital to care for premature babies close to home.
2015
The Foundation raised funds for the IU Health Alzheimer’s Resource Service to continue free support groups, education and counseling.
2018
The Bloomington Hospital Foundation expands their impact to include broader community health initiatives and rebrands to become the Bloomington Health Foundation.
1970s
In 1976, the total number of BHF donors jumped from 379 to 726. The following year, Barry K. Hurtt was hired as the first Director of the Foundation. Major fundraising initiatives included patient monitoring equipment for the ICU, equipment for the operating room, including three digital monitors, and funds for a new telemetry system for the Emergency Room.
1990s
In 1991, the Hospital Foundation funded equipment such as a transport incubator for Obstetrics, Med Alert bracelets for Hospice patients, a Lifepak 10 Transport Monitor for the Emergency Department, and a stretch chair for the Oncology Unit. Later in the decade, the Foundation funded the Adult Day Center, donated $350,000 for the Healthmobile and hosted its first Coaches Clinic with former IU football coach, the late Bill Mallory.
2011
Over $3 million was raised to open an 8-bed inpatient Hospice House that quickly expanded to a 12-bed facility in 2013.The first 100 Men Who Cook presented by Old National Bank took place at IU’s Assembly Hall and raised over $50,000.
2014
The Bloomington Hospital Foundation’s Trauma Campaign raised $320,000 to provide critical upgrades to the Hospital’s Trauma Department. Due to these improvements, the Department later earned Level III Trauma Center verification.
2017
The Bloomington Hospital Foundation marks 50 official years of impacting healthcare in South Central Indiana.
Let’s change our community
for the better
Give local, impact locally
100 percent of donations to Bloomington Health Foundation stays right here in our community—touching the lives of those we care about most: our family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors.