How do I send my gift?
Online Donation provides security and immediate confirmation for your credit card donation.
Telephone
To speak to a Philanthropy Office staff member, please call 337.430.5353
Monday - Friday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM (CST)
E-mail
Send your questions and requests to the Special Projects Manager.
Mail
You may send the mail in donation form to:
CHRISTUS St. Patrick Philanthropy Office
524 Dr. Michael DeBakey Drive
Lake Charles, LA 70601
What is a Charitable Gift?
A gift that is motivated by charitable intent. A gift is defined as a voluntary transfer of assets from a person or an organization to the Foundation where no goods or services are expected, implied or forthcoming for the donor. Gifts usually are cash, checks, securities, real property, or personal property. The Foundation accepts gifts from individuals, corporations, associations, societies and private Foundations. A gift may be either unrestricted or restricted to a general area of use that contributes to the benefit of CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital.
Will I receive a thank-you note for my gift?
Yes. After making an online donation, you will receive an immediate confirmation and thank-you message. The Foundation Office will acknowledge donations sent by mail as soon as possible. Due to postage and handling costs, we are unable to acknowledge gifts of less than $10.
How do I create a named gift?
The Foundation values every gift regardless of amount or type. Named gifts can be created for the naming of facilities, facility components or even through endowments named after a family, individual or company. Please call the office at 337.430.5353 for more information.
Is my gift tax deductible?
Yes. CHRISTUS St. Patrick Foundation is a component of CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital, and gifts are deductible on federal tax returns subject to the limits allowed by the Internal Revenue Service (see IRS Code 170). A copy of the letter documenting tax-exempt status is available from the Foundation Office. If you make a gift associated with a product, event or service, the Foundation Office will provide you with the necessary documentation for tax purposes.
What if my company or foundation can give only to 501(c)3 organizations?
You will be pleased to know that CHRISTUS St. Patrick Foundation is a department of the hospital, which is a not-profit 501(c)3 organization.
Will CHRISTUS St. Patrick Foundation apply any part of my gift to administrative costs?
Nothing is withheld for administrative costs from a contribution that is directed to a specific program area. For special event contributions, a small amount is applied to fundraising expenses. Unrestricted gifts are applied to the most need areas of the hospital.
Can CHRISTUS Health redirect my gift for the use of another CHRISTUS institution?
No. CHRISTUS Health ensures that its hospitals are wise stewards of the resources entrusted to them. When you designate your gift for the use of CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital or the Foundation, it is protected and cannot be redirected by CHRISTUS Health.
How can I take advantage of my company's Matching Gift Program?
You can double or further multiply the impact of a gift if you are an employee, retiree or director of a corporation that matches gifts to qualified institutions. You may contact your company to discuss its matching gift program. The Foundation Office will be glad to work with you and your company. We can be reached at 337.430.5353.
What are CHRISTUS St. Patrick Foundation's donor protection policies?
In addition to the HIPAA Privacy Policy, the Foundation adheres to the principles found in the Donor Bill of Rights developed by the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy.
Can I contribute a gift of my time and talents?
Volunteer Services can always use your help in areas ranging from delivering magazines to a patient's room to helping in the gift shop or even in a specific department. Please contact Volunteer Services at 337.491.7183 for more information.
What opportunities are there for recognition?
We are pleased to recognize our partners in healthcare. With your approval, recognition of your gift reflects our shared commitment to healthcare and serves to inspire other donors.
Donors are recognized by membership in a variety of giving societies, depending on the type and size of gifts. Sponsorship of special events often offers opportunities for recognition in program materials and media coverage. Naming opportunities are available for endowments and for the construction or major renovation of facilities. In accordance with CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital, guidelines have been established for the recognition of significant gifts with naming opportunities and various types of publicity (such as publication of a donor honor roll, press releases to the media and placement of plaques or signs). Any donor who makes a gift of $1,000 or more will be recognized on the Foundation's Donor Recognition Wall in the hospital.
How can I get more information about making a gift?
The Foundation Office is staffed by professionals who are experienced in assisting you with all types of charitable gifts. We will help you and your financial/legal advisers design a giving plan that is in your best interests and also fulfills your desire for improving healthcare in Southwest Louisiana.
I can only make a small gift at this time. Will it still make an impact?
Every gift makes a difference. The cumulative effect of several small gifts can be very significant, helping fund the start-up of a pilot project, state-of-the-art equipment or even testing a new procedure. In this way, the power of your gift is magnified many times over.
