Avera Foundation Earns Fourth Consecutive High Performer Distinction
For the fourth consecutive year, Avera Foundation was recognized by the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP) with the High Performer distinction for 2022.
AHP recognizes high performance based on organizations that fall within the top 75th percentile in net returns from fundraising efforts, minus expenses. For data based on fiscal year 2021, being a High Performer in the Overall category means that Avera Foundation raised more than $23.6 million among all U.S. respondents to the AHP’s Report on Giving.
Thanks to more than 18,000 benefactors, the Avera Foundation reported giving of more than $40 million in FY2021 and $46 million in FY2022.
Philanthropy is a key aspect of Avera’s strategic agenda because it extends the Avera mission to impact persons and communities across Avera’s 72,000-square-mile footprint in a positive way.
“Generosity is woven throughout Avera’s century-old healing ministry. We are humbled by our 18,000 supporters who chose to help our patients, families and colleagues,” said Dzenan Berberovic, Avera Chief Philanthropy Officer. “At Avera, every gift matters because it helps people. Our supporters leave a lasting legacy that will benefit generations to come.”
Benefactors can direct their gift to the projects that matter most to them, for example, the Light the Way Campaign that supported building of the new Helmsley Behavioral Health Center at the Avera Behavioral Health Hospital in Sioux Falls. Or, the Caring for Life Fund that supports a variety of patient and resident needs. In May the Avera Foundation will host its 35th Avera Race Against Cancer which benefits local cancer patients.
Philanthropic support has been part of Avera’s health ministry for more than 125 years. “The Sisters were joined by their neighbors and friends when they began caring for the sick, poor and marginalized. In fact, Avera McKennan was founded in 1911 thanks to Helen Gale McKennan, who upon her passing, directed a $25,000 gift in her will for a new hospital in Sioux Falls – a hospital that would care for all,” Berberovic said. “Numerous other hospitals and facilities have similar stories of generous benefactors who stepped forward to join the Benedictine and Presentation Sisters in this noble work.”
Learn more at AveraFoundation.org
