Community Commitment & Philanthropy

Supporting Our Community

Willis-Knighton Health System is a locally-owned, locally-operated health system in Shreveport-Bossier. Therefore, we understand our responsibility to improve not just the health of but the quality of life of the people we serve.

As a not-for-profit community healthcare organization, Willis-Knighton Health System donates a minimum of 10% of its profits back into the community each year to support worthy organizations and activities. Willis-Knighton is one of only a few health systems in the nation that practices this tithe-the-bottom-line philosophy of giving.

In addition to returning profits to the community to support community organizations, Willis-Knighton also reinvests its profits into buildings, equipment and technology that expand and enhance healthcare for all citizens. When Willis-Knighton is successful, the entire community benefits.

Examples of this philanthropy have included:  

• Support of more than $170 million to the LSU School of Medicine in Shreveport since the 1990s to train physicians and allied health professionals to care for residents of our community
• Contributions of rapid response SPRINT vehicles to the Shreveport Fire Department for EMS calls
• Leadership contributions to save cultural resources and enhance music education for youth
• Support for the homeless through the successful local programs
• Support for schools and youth athletics
• Millions of dollars of charity care for residents on Medicaid or those without insurance

Willis-Knighton’s Contributions Committee meets several times throughout the year to review requests. In recognition of Willis-Knighton’s role as a not-for-profit community healthcare organization, the committee focuses on WK’s mission to “continuously improve the health and well-being of the people we serve.”

Our Priorities

Willis-Knighton directs the majority of its philanthropy to three focus areas:   

• healthcare
• public education, with an emphasis on the institutions that train physicians and healthcare professionals to care for our population
• humanitarian service organizations

Funding for other categories may also be considered, based on community needs.

Types of Organizations

Funding preference is given to:

• Local public agencies, public schools or groups designated 501(c)3 charitable nonprofit organizations by the IRS. (A letter of determination of the group’s IRS ruling as a charitable organization  must accompany those requests.)
• Organizations located in Shreveport-Bossier, serving local residents. (Those not located in our community should document types of local services and number of people served locally.)
• Projects or initiatives that provide direct funding to reach large numbers of people in the communities we serve
• Projects or initiatives that address unmet needs in our community.

Sports Activity Requests

Funding for athletic or sports events is reserved for Willis-Knighton Sports Medicine clients and is administered through that program. Athletic directors and coaches should reach out to that department for sports-related requests.

Race/Run/Walk Events

Because our community has a large number of walks and races, funding for these activities is generally limited to organizations that are healthcare-related. Funding of $1,500 or greater is reserved for walks or races that are health-related and that have secured WK department sponsorship and participation. A support statement from the director of the sponsoring WK department must accompany the request for sponsorship by the requesting healthcare organization.

Scholarships 

Willis-Knighton prefers to fund scholarships directly through the universities and colleges rather than as a pass-through for other organizations to distribute. Currently, the health system funds scholarships (as well as professorships) at numerous colleges and universities, with a focus on training of healthcare workers for the future. Additionally, to encourage community service Willis-Knighton sponsors the community service scholarships presented annually at the Independence Bowl and offers a Give Back scholarship program for children of its employees to encourage charitable works by youth.

Contribution Request Guidelines

• No funding is guaranteed to any organization
• Funding is generally provided for one year only
• One request per organization will be funded in each fiscal year (October 1 to September 30)
• Organizations must apply annually for WK funding (i.e. no carry-over applications)
• Only written requests via official WKHS Contributions Request Form are accepted
• Requests should be submitted at least 90 days prior to the time the donation is required
• Preference is given to organizations with an organized presence, creating a positive impact in our community through visible and ongoing activities.

The Contributions Committee does not approve contributions for:

• Individuals (pageants, trips, conferences, tournaments, etc.)
• For-profit organizations
• Political causes or candidates
• Religious or fraternal organizations
• School-related travel
• Speaker fees or travel
• Organizations that have already received funding during the fiscal cycle (October 1 – September 30)
• Programs not focused on our service area

Submitting a Contribution Request

Any group requesting funding from Willis-Knighton must complete a Contribution Request Form (available below) . Submit by FAX: (318) 212-8380, MAIL: WK Contribution Committee, 2600 Greenwood Rd, Shreveport, LA 71103, or EMAIL: contributions@wkhs.com. Due to the large volume of requests received, we cannot accept requests or provide a response by telephone or in person. All forms should be completed in full, with appropriate documentation.

Documentation

Required Documentation to Accompany Contributions Request Form

• IRS documentation of nonprofit status as 501c3 charitable purpose organization and most recent Form 990
• List of board members
• Local office address and phone
• For walk/race funding request of $1,500 or greater: support statement from Willis-Knighton department head sponsor

Suggested Additional Documentation

• Annual report
• Event/project budget

Notification

Organizations or projects approved for funding are notified by the committee of approval through USPS mail.

Please Note New Requirement Following Grant Award 

Within a year of a grant award, organizations receiving funding are required to submit a report about expenditure of funds from Willis-Knighton and their impact. Those that fail to do so will be suspended from future funding consideration.

Download Contribution Request Form