In 1986, St. Joseph Health System began an effort to further our commitment to our neighbors in need. Our vision called us to reach out beyond the walls of our healthcare facilities and touch persons unable to afford healthcare services. We felt compelled to go beyond our traditional efforts of providing free care for those in need of acute services and developed policies and implementation tools, leading to the creation of the St. Joseph Health System Foundation. We continue to strive to improve the quality of life of the communities we serve. We believe, as a foundation, that we have a social responsibility and a moral obligation to serve the poor.

Formed 12 years ago, the St. Joseph Health System Foundation directs the distribution of funds for Care for the Poor programs and services. The Foundation actively seeks creative responses to the needs in each community. All Foundation funds are designated for the economically poor. Applicants must be nonprofit organizations that are exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code and are defined as "not a private foundation" under section 509(a) and must submit a copy of the IRS letter of determination. St. Joseph Health System currently directs 10% of its net income from each of its hospitals to the Foundation. Seventy-five percent of these funds are returned to the hospitals to spend on their local Care for the Poor programs within their communities. The remaining 25 percent is allocated to three areas:

• Wellness and Prevention Grants (available in St. Joseph Health System California hospital areas). The foundation provides grants, on an annual basis, to new or ongoing St. Joseph Health System hospital-affiliated programs. Funding is granted to initiatives that enhance the health and quality of life for those who cannot afford to pay for health-related services.

  Community Building Initiative (CBI). The Community Building Initiative (CBI) represents a new three-year, grant-making program on the part of the Foundation to invest in collaborative organizations that want to act to improve the health and quality of life of our community by engaging groups of individuals in transforming their own environments. Results are intended to include building upon current community assets, enriching and encouraging leadership in neighborhoods, increasing democratic principles in the allocation of community resources, and increasing the likelihood of solid sustainable jobs for the previously unreachable.

• Natural Disaster Funding. Consideration will be given to special circumstances that arise as a result of disasters and unforeseen community needs regionally and brought to the Foundation Board's attention by a member of the St. Joseph Health System family. Preferably, support will be given through other affiliated groups such as Catholic Relief Services or the American Red Cross, or in a manner that will ensure the most effective use of donated funds.