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 and benefits
Funding Preferences
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. Higher dollar funding for walk and races is reserved for organizations with 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 from other organizations. 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 from Willis-Knighton is guaranteed to any organization.
- One funding request is accepted per organization per year.
- 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).
- All requests must be submitted using the Contributions Request Form on this page.
- 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 in our community that create a positive impact for residents here with ongoing programs and activities.
The Contributions Committee does not approve contributions for:
- Individuals (pageants, trips, conferences, tournaments, camps, 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 (download here). 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 current, completed in full and submitted 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 request by health organization-- 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 must submit a report (two pages) reviewing the use 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