Social responsibility

We consider funding nonprofits that serve our most vulnerable communities. Typically, funded programs or projects last at least one year and provide direct measurable impact and potential positive long-term changed behaviors.

To be eligible for a charitable impact investment, your organization must:

• Be a registered nonprofit or charitable entity (i.e., 501(c)(3))
• Have been operational for at least three years
• Be in good standing with local and national regulations
• Serve communities within Advocate Health’s footprint: Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, North Carolina, South Carolina or Wisconsin
• Align with Advocate Health’s impact priorities and purpose of redefining care for all
• Demonstrate capacity to manage the project and report outcomes
• Be open to collaboration and have a sustainability plan beyond the grant period

Advocate Health does not provide investments to:

• For-profit entities
• Political campaigns or lobbying activities
• Organizations with discriminatory practices
• Projects outside Advocate Health’s geographic footprint
• Programs misaligned with impact priorities
• Organizations with incomplete or noncompliant applications

The submission portal opens on the first calendar day of each request submission period and closes automatically at 11:59 p.m. ET on the final day of that month. Late submissions will not be accepted or reviewed. Only one application is accepted per calendar year.

All proposals must include the following documents:

• Program budget
• Logic model
• Operating budget and financial statements
• 501(c)(3) determination letter
• Current W9
• Current 990
• Previous year’s impact report or annual report
• Board of directors list

All applicants will receive a decision via email within eight weeks of the close of the investment cycle or once a funding decision is made.

We sponsor events or investments that typically provide programmatic support and include tangible benefits back to Advocate Health (e.g., tables, logos, tickets, etc.).

All organizations considered for Advocate Health sponsorship must be U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in good standing whose programs operate primarily within Advocate Health service areas (Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, North Carolina, South Carolina or Wisconsin) or are national organizations and conferences.

Applicants must comply with all applicable laws and our nondiscrimination policy  and be able to provide required financial documentation (e.g., audited financial records and IRS form 990 or 501(c)(3) determination letter).

Advocate Health selectively sponsors chambers of commerce and economic development organizations (EDOs) when sponsorship produces clear community or clinical impact tied to our priorities. Generally, these organizations should be 501(c)(3)/(c)(6). In addition to proof of eligibility, proposals from chambers of commerce and EDOs must include:

• A programmatic scope with outcomes and metrics
• A budget of how funds will be used
• A timeline and post-program reporting

We prioritize proposals that tie back to our aspiration to close the gap in life expectancy, and look at these additional factors:

• Service area relevance and potential to reach priority populations
• Measurable outcomes and clinical or community impact
• Financial stewardship and organizational capacity
• Portfolio balance and available budget

Advocate Health doesn’t provide sponsorship for the following:

• Organizations that discriminate or deny service based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability or source of payment
• For-profit organizations
• Organizations that are not tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. internal revenue code
• Organizations with less than three years of verified tax-exempt status
• Government or municipal agencies or organizations
• Individuals or third parties seeking donations on behalf of nonprofit organizations
• Individual or team fundraising and assistance to individuals, including illness or hardship support, scholarships, fellowships or similar aid
• Pass-through funding (events or fundraisers that regrant proceeds to other charities) and regranting entities, including private foundations
• Foundations related to a business where company executive officers hold a fiduciary or leadership role
• Political campaigns, parties or causes
• Alumni, fraternal, sorority or professional associations, booster or civic clubs, or organizations that primarily serve a limited constituency
• Individual preK-12 schools (public or private). Limited consideration may be given to specialized schools with a clear, documented social impact purpose.
• Religious organizations for sectarian purposes (including churches and synagogues). Community impact programs hosted by faith-based organizations may be considered only if they are open to the general public, do not advance religious doctrine and fully comply with nondiscrimination requirements.
• Recreational or sporting events, including walks, runs, golf tournaments and athletic associations or leagues
• Group or individual expenses such as memberships, memorials, travel or tours, including travel-related expenses for individuals or teams
• Past grantees that failed to provide required documentation, such as charitable contribution acknowledgments or other stipulated reports

We accept applications on a quarterly basis. Submit in our online portal at least 12 weeks before the event or program start date. Only one application is accepted per calendar year.

All requests must include the following documents:

• Most recent audited financial statements
• IRS form 990 or 501(c)(3) determination letter
• Program budget and outcomes/measurement plan
• Agreement to our nondiscrimination policy

All applicants will receive a decision via email within four to eight weeks of request submission.