Because children’s hospitals provide this care to all children, regardless of ability to pay, philanthropy plays an important role in the support of children’s hospitals and the many vital services they offer communities.

Fund-raising is so important to children’s hospitals that nearly 80 percent have a foundation dedicated to the task. Almost all children’s hospitals are not-for-profit organizations that depend on grants and donations from individuals, the federal government and private foundations to help accomplish their fourfold mission of clinical care, research, advocacy and education.

Children’s hospitals especially depend on fund-raising to support the many programs and services that are not reimbursed by private or public health insurance.

The National Association of Children’s Hospitals, the public policy affiliate of NACHRI, provides children’s hospitals with information that helps them in their grant-seeking efforts. The Children’s Hospital Grants Opportunities Project gives children’s hospitals access to breaking news on grant deadlines, analysis of grant opportunities and research on current funding opportunities.

Individual donations, major gift and planned giving activities, and a variety of special events, ranging from golf tournaments and fashion shows to art contests and parties, also help ensure children’s hospitals can continue to provide highly specialized care to children. Whole families can participate in many of the events. Contact the development office at Children’s Medical Center Dallas at 214-456-8360 or visit the “How to Help” section at www.childrens.com to find out how you can help.

For more information on the primary, preventive and specialty services offered at Children’s Medical Center Dallas, visit www.childrens.com.