Philanthropy
Supporting Our Community
Sponsorship ($5,000 or less) Grant ($5,000 or more)
As a locally-owned, locally-operated organization in Shreveport-Bossier, Willis Knighton Health is dedicated to improving not only the health but the quality of life for people in communities we serve.
One way we do that is through our philanthropy initiative called “Tithe the Bottom Line.” Since the 1970s Willis Knighton has returned a minimum of 10% of its profits to the community each year to support worthy organizations and activities. Willis Knighton is one of only a few hospitals in the nation that practices this guaranteed level of giving.
In addition to supporting local nonprofits, schools and governmental organizations through philanthropy, Willis Knighton Health also reinvests its profits into equipment, technology, services and buildings that and enhance healthcare for all citizens. When Willis Knighton is successful, the entire community benefits.
Please read the information provided here to determine if your organization or project qualifies before you submit a request.
Philanthropy Priorities
The majority of our philanthropic sponsorships and grants focus on three 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 be considered, based on community needs and benefits to our community.
Funding Preferences
- 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 requests.)
- Organizations located in Shreveport-Bossier City that serve local residents
- 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
- Unique projects or initiatives not duplicated by other organizations in our community
Sports Requests
Funding for athletics or sports events is administered through the Willis Knighton Sports Medicine program, with funding focused on schools affiliated with that program. School sports requests should be made by the school’s principal or athletic director. We support sports in general and not specific teams. Before submitting a request involving sports, please consult with the program director, Amy Sudduth. Email: asudduth@wkhs.com
School Requests
School requests other than sports teams should be submitted by the school principal or assistant principal.
Race/Run/Walk Events
Because our community has many walks and races, funding for these activities generally goes to generally limited to organizations related to healthcare. Preference is given to health organizations that have sponsorship and participation from Willis Knighton departments. If this is the case with your organization, you should include a statement of support from the director of the sponsoring WK department as part of your sponsorship or grant request.
Scholarships
Willis Knighton prefers to fund scholarships directly through the universities and colleges rather than as a pass-through to another organization. Currently, Willis Knighton funds scholarships and professorships at numerous colleges and universities, with a focus on training healthcare workers for the future.
Contribution Request Guidelines
- Requests should be submitted at least 90 days prior to the time the donation is required.
- Organizations are limited to one request per organization in each fiscal year (October 1 to September 30).
- Funding is generally provided for one year only. Larger grants may have a multiyear fixed commitment.
- Organizations must apply annually for Willis Knighton sponsorship funding.
- Requests must be submitted using either the Sponsorships or Grant request link on this page and must include documentation requested.
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
- Salary expense
- Programs not focused on our service area
Notification of Award
Approved funding requests receive notice of the award through U.S. Postal Service mail.
Follow-Up Reporting
Within a year of receiving a donation from Willis Knighton, organizations must report the use of funds and their impact. If a report is not received, the committee will not consider future funding requests from your organization. Reports for grants should be more extensive than reports for sponsorships.
Apply for Funding
All contribution requests with supporting documentation must be submitted online. Our contributions committee reviews requests throughout the year. Willis Knighton Health awards two types of funding:
