What Health Care Philanthropy Taught Us in 2024
As 2024 comes to a close, the Accordant team has been reflecting on a year of remarkable progress, challenges and lessons learned in health care philanthropy. From celebrating the completion of transformative campaigns to navigating evolving community needs, this year has reaffirmed the power of philanthropy to elevate health and well-being for the communities we serve.
…this year has reaffirmed the power of philanthropy to elevate health and well-being for the communities we serve.
The following reflections underscore a shared truth: health care philanthropy is about more than dollars raised—it’s about fostering trust, aligning with community values and driving meaningful, sustainable change. As we look ahead to 2025, we do so with renewed commitment to our shared missions, and with gratitude for the generosity and resilience of the communities and organizations that make this work possible.
Pamela Maroulis, FAHP, CFRE | Accordant President & Principal Consultant
“As we continue to watch our clients deal with the financial aftermath of the COVID pandemic, it was a moment for celebration when two of our clients successfully completed their comprehensive campaigns at the end of 2024. Both sailed past their goals to end with historic support for their initiatives. As I reflect on their achievements, I am encouraged by the generosity of the communities that supported these two organizations, and I think it shows us how powerful the mission of health care is and will continue to be. These goals were not easy, but with steadfast commitment and focus on best practices, success was accomplished!
My message for all of those who may feel daunted by the goals in front of them is to keep at it, one step at a time. Focus on the passions of your donors and how you can be a fit for their interests, be donor-centered at all times, and always keep alignment with your executive leadership. Together you can do the hard things! I wish everyone a happy holiday and much success in 2025.”
Amy Dorrill, FAHP, CFRE | Accordant Principal Consultant
“2024 has reinforced the importance of community collaboration and addressing barriers to health and health care. This year has shown us how philanthropic and strategic partnerships and programs can significantly enhance health outcomes and create lasting, meaningful impact that improves the well-being of the people we serve.”
John F. Donovan, CFRE | Accordant Principal Consultant
“I have walked by hundreds of donor walls during my 20 years of consulting for hospitals and health care institutions. I always stop and take a look as they can tell you a lot about the organization, the culture of philanthropy and who you will be working with. In 2024, I have viewed a few hospital donor walls from a different perspective—as a patient. I have been dealing with aFib and the various tests and procedures associated with keeping it under control and hopefully neutralized in 2025. The names on these donor walls now carry deeper meaning for me. I look at them more carefully—not just the major donors, but the smaller ones too. In our field, it’s clear that ensuring quality health care and access absolutely requires philanthropy. Institutions supported by their communities, reflected in both large and small gifts, often have strong morale among employees, physicians who feel valued and leadership that understands true community partnership is about more than the dollars—it’s about embracing and uplifting the institution as a whole.
So, as 2024 comes to a close, I’m reminded of the profound importance of what we do as professionals—and equally, the significance of supporting the organizations in our communities that provide essential care. Wishing you all success and good health in 2025.”
Cindy Reynolds, FAHP, CFRE | Accordant Principal Consultant
“In 2024, I witnessed community members expressing support for their local hospitals and health care providers through their words and their contributions. Relationships that are built in the community, for the community and by people serving patients in the community are the very relationships that ultimately lead to meaningful health care philanthropy. They are also the relationships that build trust in our hospitals—trust that requires vigilant cultivation.
The recent murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson unleashed vitriol toward payment systems, but buried in the examples of denied claims and ridiculous delays were stories of heartfelt gratitude for many doctors who stepped up to fight these denials and delays for their patients. People can hold ‘the system’ in contempt while keeping positive emotions toward their own clinicians in their hearts.
We practitioners of health care philanthropy are in a unique position to amplify expressions of gratitude, convey sentiments of respect and honor the experiences of those caring for our communities. The trust that results is the bedrock of health care philanthropy.”
Lori Counts, FAHP, CFRE
Accordant Principal Consultant & Certified Executive Coach
“Even as it seems that trust is eroding in our society, philanthropy remains a powerful force for good. When we present a compelling case for giving and demonstrate the impact of generosity, people have been inspired to act. I have seen it every day this year when working with my clients. This shows me that the American spirit of generosity is alive and well.”
As we move into 2025, the lessons learned in 2024, paired with deep gratitude, will continue to inspire and guide our efforts in health care philanthropy. We are more committed than ever to cultivating partnerships that drive lasting, meaningful change and harnessing the transformative power of philanthropy to create a healthier, brighter future for the communities we serve.
