FAQs
Check out these frequently asked questions (FAQs) about how to contribute and how to receive help from the HCA Hope Fund.
About the Fund
Why does the Hope Fund ask for donations from employees? Is it a private foundation or a public charity?
The Hope Fund is a 501(c)(3) public charity. We have chosen to be a public charity rather than a private foundation because there are federal tax laws in place that would prevent us from giving grants to employees, other than in times of a declared natural disaster. As a public charity, a significant amount of donations must come from sources outside of the corporation, like employees. HCA employees can make tax-deductible donations to the Hope Fund, and the Hope Fund can subsequently make tax-free grants to qualifying employees.
Is there a formula that the Hope Fund uses to guarantee that a certain amount of funding will be given to a particular facility?
The Hope Fund was created to serve wherever there is need. We do not restrict funds to a particular facility for several reasons:
1. To keep the designation as a 501(c)(3) public charity, the Hope Fund must meet certain criteria. For example, the class of recipients must be large enough to establish that the "community" is benefiting - not a "private party." Many times, one facility is not a large enough class to meet these criteria.
2. A decision to make a participant(s) ineligible based upon where he or she works is counter to the current Hope Fund policy and guidelines.
3. Eligibility for receiving assistance can't be limited to those facilities where employees give. This is counter to charitable organizations.
How is HCA supporting the Hope Fund?
The HCA Foundation will match donations from employees of at least $500 at 100%, up to $200,000 nation-wide (individual maximum match is $500). Additionally, The HCA Foundation and HCA have committed to covering all administrative costs to run the Fund. This allows for 100% of employee donations to go directly toward providing grants to our qualifying colleagues in need.
Giving to the Fund
What is the Leadership Circle?
The Leadership Circle is comprised of Hope Fund donors who have contributed at least $500 over the past year. Leadership Circle donors are recognized on the Hope Fund's website and other communication materials. Employees who give at the Leadership Circle level are also eligible for a 1:1 match from The HCA Foudnation.
How does match work?
Employees who give at the Leadership Circle level ($500) are eligible for a 1:1 match from The HCA Foundation. The Foundation will match all employee donors who give $500 with $500 to the Hope Fund. Donors can give $500 at one-time or over the year through payroll deduction.
Can employees donate PTO and/or EIB?
At this time, it is not possible for an employee to donate PTO or EIB to the Hope Fund. We are working diligently to allow for these types of donations in the future.
Is there a minimum donation amount?
There is not a minimum donation amount. Employees can donate to the Hope Fund with a one-time gift via check, credit card or stock, or per pay period through payroll deduction. We recommend you encourage employees to use payroll deduction as an easy way to contribute. (Currently, about 90% of employee donors giva through payroll deduction.) The typical payroll deduction gift ranges between $2 and $10 per pay period. In order for employees to take advantage of The HCA Foundation's match, they must contribute at least $500 (or $19.25 per pay period for a 26 pay-period employee).
When do payroll deductions begin?
Payroll deductions will begin the first paycheck after January 1, 2010, and will continue until the employee requests to stop or change the deduction.
Do 2008 payroll deduction donors need to renew for 2009?
No, all donors who contributed as part of the 2008 campaign and gave in 2008 do not need to complete a new form.
