Founded in 1962, University Hospital Foundation (UHF) works to improve the health of Albertans by raising money for University of Alberta Hospital, Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, and Kaye Edmonton Clinic. In F2017, UHF distributed $14.2 million to the heathcare centres, with 55% allocated to clinical equipment purchases and building upgrades, 43% to research and talent recruitment, and 2% to other programs.

Clinical projects receiving the greatest funding in F2017 were brain health, prostate cancer treatment, trauma and complex surgeries, and heart health. Edmonton’s first 3T MRI for patient use was installed at University of Alberta Hospital and $1.5 million from UHF funded one of two new suites treating blood vessels of the brain and spine. This new equipment helps diagnose and treat stroke patients. The foundation has contributed a total of $10 million to the newly opened C.J. Woods Prostate Health Clinic in the Kaye Edmonton Clinic. In the first eight months, there have been 22,000 visits to the prostate clinic.

In F2017, research funded by University Hospital Foundation focused on the stroke ambulance, prostate cancer, cardiac health, and transplant procedures. Canada’s first stroke ambulance is equipped with a CT scanner and allows for paramedics to video conference with a stroke specialist. The ambulance will improve the chance of survival by stroke patients at University of Alberta Hospital, approximately 30% of which have to travel from outside of Edmonton for care. University Hospital Foundation also funds an annual medical research competition, providing grants to fund innovative research by scientists at University of Alberta’s Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry. In F2017, 13 researchers were granted a total of $433,132, funding a variety of projects including an approach to screening for diabetes in Cystic Fibrosis patients, evaluating the immune response in drug induced liver failure, and examining emotions in eating disorders.

Results and Impact: University Hospital Foundation has provided $1.4 million to expanding the intensive care unit at Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute. This expansion has allowed for 200 more surgeries to be performed each year.

Between 2007 and 2015, UHF awarded $5 million in funding to 169 research projects through its medical research competition. There were 149 publications related to 107 of the funded studies, with 69% of award recipients publishing findings. The foundation reports that 58% of recipients leveraged UHF’s initial funding to access an additional $24.5 million in grants.

University Hospital Foundation is a Major 100 charity, with donations and special events revenue of $20.3m in F2017. Investment income represents 33% of the foundation’s total revenues. Based on F2016 investments and F2017 investment income, UHF had an 11% return on investment.

Administrative costs are 9% of revenues and fundraising costs are 22% of donations. For every $1 donated, 70 cents go to the cause, falling within Ci’s reasonable range. UHF has $147.2m in funding reserves, of which $13.8m is donor-endowed. Excluding donor-endowed funds, the foundation could operate programs for almost 10 years on funding reserves. This does not indicate a need for funding.

This charity report is an update that has been sent to University Hospital Foundation for review. Changes and edits may be forthcoming.

Updated on July 31, 2018 by Madison Kerr.