The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital

The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that functions as the philanthropic arm for Barnes-Jewish Hospital and its affiliates. Established in 1996 following the merger of Barnes Hospital and Jewish Hospital, the Foundation carries on the philanthropic legacies of both institutions, which date back to the early 1900s. The two hospitals, both located in St. Louis, were created to serve the community regardless of creed or nationality. The Foundation was formed to centralize and enhance fundraising efforts, expanding from a staff of 13 to 26 by 2016.

The organization's primary mission is to support patient care by raising funds from individual donors, corporations, and other foundations. This financial support is directed toward several key areas: biomedical and clinical research, continuing medical education for physicians and nurses, acquisition of advanced medical technology, and essential patient care services, which can include lodging and medicine for those in need. A significant portion of its funding supports research in fields like cancer, palliative care, neurosciences, and organ transplants, primarily disbursed to physicians and researchers at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Siteman Cancer Center, and Washington University School of Medicine. The Foundation also funds nursing scholarships at the Goldfarb School of Nursing.

The business model relies entirely on charitable contributions. Donations are sourced from a variety of channels, including individual gifts, planned giving, corporate donations, and foundation grants. The Foundation organizes fundraising events, such as the Illumination Gala, to support specific initiatives like cancer research. In May 2025, David Bruns was appointed Vice President and Executive Director, taking over from Susan Ell, who retired after a decade of leading the organization.

Keywords: medical philanthropy, hospital foundation, healthcare fundraising, biomedical research funding, patient care support, medical education grants, Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, nursing scholarships, community health outreach