Frequently Asked Questions

Who donates to the Group Health Foundation?
More than 5,900 donors contribute to the Foundation, including patients, staff, corporations, foundations, charitable organizations, and government agencies. For many members, it's a way of saying thanks for good care received at Group Health. Group Health Cooperative pays our operating support as part of its social mission.

How much of my gift goes directly to charitable programs and how much to fundraising and other operating expenses?
According to the Foundation's IRS 990 filing for 2005, 85 percent was spent on charitable programs and 15 percent spent on fundraising and management. According to our 2005 filing with the Washington Secretary of State, 81 percent was spent on programs and 19 percent on fundraising and management. (There is a discrepancy because the IRS asks for the net amount raised from our Gala, but the Secretary of State considers some Gala expenses as fundraising costs.)

Is my gift to the Group Health Foundation tax deductible?
Yes, to the extent allowable by law. We are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our tax ID number is 91-1246278.

Can I specify how my gift is used?
Yes. Donors may designate their gifts to Critical and Emergent Needs Fund, to our general endowment, or to gift funds that serve specific programs or departments. If they contribute $25,000 or more, they can create an endowed fund that will generate income for a program in perpetuity. By policy, all unrestricted bequests are deposited into the board-designated endowment and used for grantmaking and general program purposes.

How are donations used?
Donations without any restrictions are deposited in the Foundation's Critical and Emergent Needs Fund, which pays for our grantmaking program. Bequests that are not directed by a donor to a specific program go into our board-designated endowment, which is used for grantmaking and general program purposes.

Why would I contribute to the foundation of a health plan? Don't all your programs support Group Health?
Group Health offers more than health coverage — it also provides health care services to the majority of its members. The Group Health Foundation is not a traditional health care foundation that exclusively supports its parent organization. It is a statewide foundation that's committed to the good health of children and teens and healthy communities in Washington State. In fact, we award about $500,000 a year in community grants and operate school health programs across the state.

My health care premiums are expensive enough; I can't afford to pay for charity.
The Foundation's programs are funded through private donations, grants, and contracts. Group Health Cooperative pays a portion of the Foundation's overhead as part of its social mission. Each year, thousands of donors send gifts to the Foundation thanking them for the expert care they received at Group Health. Our job is to be sure they fulfill our donors' intent.

What is the Foundation's privacy policy?
Group Health and Group Health Foundation respect your privacy. We protect your personal information and adhere to all legislative requirements with respect to privacy. We do not rent, sell or trade our mailing lists. We use your personal information to keep you informed and up to date on the activities of our foundation, including programs, services, special events, funding needs, where your dollars are used, opportunities to volunteer or give, and through periodic contacts. If at any time you wish to be removed from any of these activities, e-mail us at e-mail at foundation.ghc@ghc.org or call 206-287-4645 and we will gladly accommodate your request.