March 14, 2025

California Hospital Medical Center Foundation, California Region Recognized with 'Region of the Year' Award at 2025 CommonSpirit Health Philanthropy Education Summit

The California Region received this distinguished recognition for raising more than $106 million collectively for 29 California hospitals in fiscal year 2024, with CHMC Foundation contributing over $27 million to this impressive achievement.

CommonSpirit Health Philanthropy California Region group photo on March 5, 2025

LOS ANGELES (March 14, 2025) – California Hospital Medical Center (CHMC) Foundation, along with 19 other foundations across California, was collectively honored with the Region of the Year Award at the 2025 CommonSpirit Health Philanthropy Education Summit Phillie Awards held March 4 in Phoenix, Arizona.

The California Region received this distinguished recognition for raising more than $106 million collectively for 29 California hospitals in fiscal year 2024, with CHMC Foundation contributing over $27 million to this impressive achievement.

"This recognition reflects the extraordinary dedication of our entire team, our visionary board members, and the generous community supporters who share our commitment to health care advancement," said Susan Shum, Chief Philanthropy Officer of the CHMC Foundation. "We are humbled by this honor and energized to continue building upon this momentum."

The 2025 CommonSpirit Health Philanthropy Education Summit brought together 270 healthcare philanthropy professionals from 80 CommonSpirit Health foundations across the country from March 3-5. The Region of the Year award represents the highest honor bestowed upon foundations within CommonSpirit Health, recognizing outstanding collective achievement in advancing healthcare philanthropy.

Strategic Impact Through Philanthropy

Dignity Health is the largest hospital provider in the state of California and part of CommonSpirit Health, one of the nation's largest not-for-profit healthcare systems. As the largest region in CommonSpirit Health, California residents have access to care through a vast network of providers spanning 650 miles, from Mt. Shasta to Long Beach. Dignity Health serves nearly one in every four Californians.

CHMC Foundation's top funded areas in fiscal year 2024 included:

Hope Street Margolis Family Center: $1,335,479.10
Cancer care equipment: $1,302,466.76
New tower construction: $993,929.54
Patient care services: $843,645.05
Coordinated Care Initiative care navigation services: $366,793.00
Radiology and surgical equipment: $286,380.99
OB, pediatric and NICU equipment: $224,215.57
HIV and hepatitis C screening: $182,333.30
Community health programs: $178,667.01
Emergency patient assistance: $65,200.00

Detailed information about the impact philanthropy made at California Hospital Medical Center is available in the 2023-2024 Impact Report.

Record-Breaking Achievement

Collectively, CommonSpirit Health Philanthropy raised $314 million in fiscal year 2024, setting a new record.

"This year's summit reinforced the power of connection — with our donors, our colleagues and the future we are building together," said Nancy Bussani, Executive Vice President and Chief Philanthropy Officer. "Philanthropy is not just about giving; it's about creating lasting impact through meaningful relationships."

Looking Ahead

The foundation plans to build upon this momentum by supporting innovative approaches to healthcare philanthropy, including the Health Equity Fund, a donor-supported fund established with the goal of addressing health equity for the most vulnerable community members.

"While we celebrate this achievement, we recognize that our work continues," Shum added. "The healthcare needs of our community evolve constantly, and this recognition strengthens our resolve to meet those needs through innovative philanthropy and unwavering commitment to our mission."

Learn more about the 2025 CommonSpirit Health Philanthropy Education Summit.

About California Hospital Medical Center Foundation

California Hospital Medical Center Foundation was founded in 1985 to raise philanthropic support for building projects, equipment, patient care services and community outreach for Dignity Health - California Hospital Medical Center. The generosity and vision of our donors generate the resources to provide the highest quality medical care to all in need, regardless of their ability to pay. The foundation has dedicated staff and is governed by a Board of Directors that oversees a comprehensive fund development program incorporating special events, private foundation and corporate grants, individual giving and government support— raising more than $25 million per year. Learn more at SupportCaliforniaHospital.org.

About Dignity Health - California Hospital Medical Center

Founded in 1887, Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center is a 318-bed, acute care, nonprofit hospital located in downtown Los Angeles. The hospital offers a full complement of services including a Level II trauma center, the Los Angeles Center for Women’s Health, obstetrics and pediatric services, and comprehensive cardiac and surgical services. The hospital shares a legacy of humankindness with Dignity Health and is part of CommonSpirit Health, one of the nation’s five largest health care systems. Visit dignityhealth.org/californiahospital for more information.