Alliance Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Receives Prestigious TRUST Award of Excellence in Philanthropy

In a resounding acknowledgment of an unwavering commitment to pioneering philanthropy and high quality governance practices, Alliance Healthcare Foundation (AHF) was honored with the inaugural TRUST Award of Excellence in Philanthropy for Governance Practices, Social Equity, and Community Impact. Presented by the University of San Diego Nonprofit Institute during the 20th Annual Nonprofit Governance Symposium on January 19, 2024, this accolade underscores AHF’s pivotal role in advancing health and wellness across San Diego and Imperial counties, and the thoughtful approach it has taken to achieving results.

A Testament to Innovative Leadership

Laura Deitrick, co-executive director of The Nonprofit Institute, commended AHF for its exceptional governance practices and dedication to fostering collaboration between board members and executive staff. “Our region benefits when we have a strong philanthropy sector to complement our vibrant nonprofit sector. The award committee found Alliance Healthcare Foundation to be most deserving of this honor and we are proud to have them as the inaugural recipient. Their governance practices demonstrated a strong commitment to learning from the nonprofits they support as well as an emphasis on integrating a variety of voices and perspectives into their grantmaking,” she said.

AHF’s board serves as a crucial ally to the Executive Team, providing invaluable insights and strategic guidance to propel the organization’s mission forward. Through open communication channels and a culture of inclusivity, AHF ensures that diverse perspectives contribute to informed decision-making, driving long-term positive impacts in the communities it serves.

“People often say that being an Executive Director is a lonely position. There’s some truth to that, but I feel so fortunate to have an amazing Board of Directors that I genuinely rely on for ideas, advice, brainstorming support, troubleshooting…the list goes on. I have been in the non-profit sector for most of my career and have worked for and served on many boards over the years. There’s really something special about the governance culture here at AHF,” said Sarah Lyman, Executive Director, Alliance Healthcare Foundation.

 

Embracing Diversity and New Perspectives

AHF prides itself on embracing diversity within its board and staff, recognizing the inherent value of fresh perspectives and innovative thinking. By fostering a dynamic mix of experienced members and newcomers, AHF cultivates a culture of continuous improvement and growth. This inclusive approach not only enriches AHF’s governance but also enhances its ability to address evolving community needs with agility and foresight. “Some of our best decisions have come from our ability to truly honor and appreciate all perspectives of an issue. We not only value divergent viewpoints – but we actively seek them out to broaden our thinking and expand our understanding,” said Killu Sanborn, Board Chairperson.

In practice, AHF also makes funding decisions through an explicit racial equity lens, resulting in the vast majority of its funding going to organizations serving predominantly Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) communities, with a significant number also led by people of color or those with lived experience.

Community-Informed Governance in Action

The foundation’s commitment to community engagement extends beyond rhetoric, manifesting in tangible initiatives that prioritize resident voices and empower local leaders. AHF’s governance model facilitates meaningful collaboration with community members, ensuring that their insights inform strategic decision-making processes. By actively involving residents in grant evaluations and funding allocations, AHF demonstrates a steadfast dedication to equitable resource distribution and community-driven solutions.

Perhaps the boldest example of this, is AHF’s work to transfer wealth and power to rural Imperial Valley through the Imperial Valley Wellness Foundation.

Private foundations, like AHF, typically fund their operations through investment returns generated by their endowment. Managing and preserving a stable endowment is a traditional financial practice in philanthropy. However, AHF takes a flexible approach, prioritizing its mission over strict asset preservation. This approach is demonstrated by the AHF board’s radical commitment to transfer 10% of its entire corpus ($7.5 million) to be managed, governed, and completely controlled by residents and community leadership in Imperial Valley, CA. This transfer of wealth and power underscores AHF’s dedication to investing directly in community-led solutions.

Since 2017, AHF has invested millions of dollars in capacity building support, technical assistance, and pass-through grant funding to what is now known as the Imperial Valley Wellness Foundation. In partnership with the Imperial Valley community, AHF determined that to support those closest to the issues in resourcing their own community-developed solutions, it needed to be bolder in how it thought about grantmaking. This trust-based decision, coupled with a true equitable partnership between the two foundations has the potential to result in 6x annually – into perpetuity – the level of philanthropic giving and community support than AHF could do on its own.

“We have hit many bumps, twists, and turns along the road to this transfer of wealth but are deeply committed to our support of Imperial Valley for the long haul, and specifically to shifting wealth and power into the hands of the people of Imperial Valley for their own self-determination and visioning,” says Sarah Lyman, Executive Director, AHF.

Prioritizing Impact Over Tradition

AHF’s board exhibits a willingness to challenge conventional norms and take bold action to maximize their philanthropic impact. From championing controversial initiatives like safe needle exchange, to providing millions of dollars in seed capital to launch and incubate what is now the leading Community Information Exchange in the country, to reallocating endowment funds for community control, AHF consistently prioritizes mission alignment over institutional preservation. By leveraging unconventional approaches such as impact investing and innovative grantmaking strategies, AHF sets a precedent for transformative philanthropy rooted in social equity and long-term sustainability.

A Legacy of Bold Philanthropy

AHF’s trailblazing legacy is characterized by a steadfast commitment to catalyzing positive change and addressing systemic disparities. Through strategic partnerships and visionary leadership, AHF continues to redefine the boundaries of philanthropic innovation, leaving an indelible mark on the communities it serves. As the foundation embarks on its next chapter of unwavering dedication to bold, community-informed philanthropy, it also hopes to serve as a beacon of inspiration for the broader philanthropic sector.

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