As Henry Ford prepares for its next 100 years, it recognizes the critical importance of philanthropy volunteers as vital partners in planning for and achieving success. As the lifeblood of our organization, a volunteer brings with them a network of connections and experiences that tie back to the health system in a way that brings a deeper engagement with the community.
Over the last several years, Henry Ford has experienced a dramatic expansion of volunteer involvement in our philanthropic efforts. More than 1,200 individuals engaged as philanthropic volunteers on many different levels give their time and talent on an ongoing basis. With volunteers as our link to the community, our institutional relationships become more than just patient and hospital, rather a ripple effect of community partners invested in the health and well-being of our state.
The members of Henry Ford's Boards of Trustees are our most prominent leadership volunteers and are invited to serve formal terms. Henry Ford has more than 150 trustees serving on eight boards as well as numerous committees and sub-committees throughout the health system.The eight boards represent our various business structures.
The Henry Ford Foundation Board is comprised of approximately 30 volunteer leaders who are charged with overseeing the philanthropic mission and fund-raising activities of the system. As the community leadership base, Henry Ford Foundation members work closely with the Office of Philanthropy and health system executives to provide innovative and professional leadership in the pursuit and management of the health system's philanthropic development of resources and strategic funding allocations. As public funding for health care continues to decrease, the value of philanthropy and the work of the Foundation becomes even more pivotal in the future success of the health system.
Councils of Advisors are sub-committees within the Henry Ford Foundation Board. Each Council has about 20 volunteer leaders and represents local community groups, corporations, alumni and health system leadership who volunteer their time, talent and treasure. These groups give critical input on fund raising and marketing activities for their areas of interest, and continually promote charitable giving opportunities to current donors, friends and potential donors. Councils represent seven clinical specialties, including:
Heart & Vascular Institute
Josephine Ford Cancer Center
Henry Ford Neuroscience Institute
Henry Ford Transplant Institute
Vattikuti Urology Institute
Henry Ford Hospice
The Henry Ford Department of Ophthalmology
Physician & Employee Ambassadors are chosen for their demonstrated leadership to represent Henry Ford. These special individuals participate in the health system's annual employee giving campaign by carrying the message to colleagues and conducting peer-to-peer solicitations.
Special Event Volunteers support the health system by serving as event chairs, sponsoring events, serving on event planning and auction committees, as well as volunteering on event days.
For more information about our philanthropic volunteers please contact Jennifer Harmon at (313) 876-9874, or by e-mail at jharmon1@hfhs.org.
