During Queensland Philanthropy Week, The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation was recognised as the 2024 Queensland Gives Philanthropic Foundation of the Year.
This is a significant honour, and the life-changing impacts we help achieve are only possible thanks to our remarkable community of supporters.
At the heart of our Foundation are people – including researchers and clinicians, patients and donors, and staff within the foundation. All of these people have one thing in common: they’re dedicated to making a difference for the greater good and find deep fulfilment in contributing to something bigger than themselves.
Below, we share just a few of the many reasons why this Foundation is so unique and some of the most recent and notable philanthropic milestones.
About The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation
The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation was established in 1986 to support The Prince Charles Hospital, but fast-forward 38 years and the Foundation’s impact spreads much further than its Chermside origin.
That impact is thanks to thousands of individuals who have given generously over the years to fund life-changing research, equipment, hospital projects, and patient care initiatives. It’s also thanks to the researchers and clinicians who spend their time—some of it without remuneration—striving to find new treatments for chronic illnesses or ways to improve patient outcomes, with the goal of helping people live healthier for longer.
As the Foundation supports one of the country’s leading cardiothoracic hospitals, many grants we fund aim to improve treatments and, ultimately, outcomes for people with heart and lung conditions and their families. Mental Health and Ageing are also priority research areas.
The Foundation now also directly supports Caboolture Hospital and others making real impacts to address QLD needs.
Statewide, National, and Global Impact
The Foundation has extended its philanthropic support beyond research provisions, facilitating assistance for sick and injured children in nine additional hospitals across Queensland. By doing so, it has broadened its impact beyond its initial scope, benefiting families throughout the state.
Recognising the growing needs of the Caboolture community, the Foundation took proactive steps to organise and coordinate collaborative research grants with the University of Sunshine Coast. This initiative will fund six research projects aimed at improving health outcomes for First Nations people, older adults, and multicultural groups, thereby addressing specific health challenges within the community.
Philanthropic Support Over the Past Decade
Strategic philanthropic initiatives not only address critical health needs in Queensland, but they also foster collaboration and inspire further investment, illustrating just how powerful philanthropy can be.
Over the last decade, the Foundation has distributed $36.8M in funding support, demonstrating a commitment to philanthropy and the community in Chermside and beyond.
- $17.6M to “Heart disease” research, including the support of Prof. John Fraser’s ‘Living Heart Project‘; and material contributions to the Covid Critical Consortium that stimulated an additional $2.1M in philanthropy, fostering collaboration for pandemic response.
- $10.6M to “Lung disease” research by backing silicosis research and advocacy, catalysing national change and instigating substantial state and federal funding.
- $8.5M “Mental Health, Ageing, Regional and other” research via support of ICU of the Future initiative, inspiring additional support from state bodies and regional QLD focussed outcomes.
Thank you for your support
The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation is deeply honoured to receive this award, and we are extremely proud of the life-changing impacts we help to achieve thanks to our remarkable community of supporters.
“As a people-based organisation, we exist to help people, help other people”, said Steve Francia, CEO of The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation.
“This award recognises the collective – the community that comes together whether it’s through research, patient-care, donations, volunteering, fundraising, grants or advocacy.”
“We’re stronger together, and I give my deepest thanks to everyone who has contributed in their own ways to the support tangible and impactful health and research outcomes that the Foundation is proud to champion” said Steve.
If you would like to contribute to The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation, supporting those suffering today and facilitating innovative research that brings hope for tomorrow, you can make a donation here.
Queensland Philanthropy Awards: Celebrating Excellence in Giving
The Queensland Philanthropy Awards held by Queensland Gives (Queensland Community Foundation) raise awareness of philanthropy in Queensland, honouring community members and organisations who make outstanding philanthropic contributions, and encouraging support for charities and community organisations throughout the state. The successful winner will possess the following qualities:
- A Queensland-based foundation.
- An established record of philanthropic support in Queensland regions.
- An organisation with a holistic approach to philanthropy.
- A measurable charitable impact.
