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Endowment

What is an endowment fund?

An endowed fund is an investment fund established to last forever. The gift is invested so the principal value may grow over time. Each year, a portion of the value of the fund is used to support the fund’s purpose. Earnings in excess of this distribution are used to build the fund’s market value. In this way, an endowment fund can grow and provide support for its designated purpose in perpetuity. An endowed fund will support Baystate Health’s mission for generations. These funds become part of Baystate Health Foundation’s collection of endowed funds, known as the endowment.

Why should I make a gift to the endowment?

Your endowment gift to Baystate Health Foundation will establish a permanent, living legacy – advancing world-class, accessible healthcare in western Massachusetts for generations to come. Gifts to our endowment provide vital resources that can be counted on year after year. This stable funding allows the health system to continue to evolve and grow in how it delivers leading-edge care to best meet the needs of the community in a changing healthcare landscape. An endowed fund offers a meaningful way to link your name, or that of a loved one, with Baystate Health in perpetuity – supporting elements of our mission that are most important to you and your family.

What kind of endowment fund can I create?

Gifts of endowment are a meaningful way to create a lasting legacy for a Baystate Health program or hospital close to your heart. You may give in your name, in a loved one’s name, or in honor or memory of an individual to support of an area of Baystate Health that is important to you and your family.

You may establish an unrestricted or a restricted endowment fund.

  • Unrestricted Endowment Funds generate income that is prudently and responsively used to seize opportunities and meet challenges. By providing the means to address vital and sometimes urgent needs, an unrestricted endowment fund is an especially impactful way to create a living legacy at Baystate Health. You can establish a named, unrestricted fund designated to one of Baystate Health’s hospitals or the Baystate Home Health & Hospice with a minimum gift of $25,000.
  • Restricted Endowment Funds generate income to support a particular program at Baystate Health for which a donor has special affinity. With a minimum gift of $50,000, you can designate the use of your contribution toward a broad purpose, and we will create a restricted endowment fund in your name. For example, you can establish an endowment to support cardiovascular care, the Baystate Regional Cancer Program, research in pediatrics or another healthcare area of particular interest.

You and others may continue to build on your initial investment— commemorating birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions by adding to the fund.

Donors can create an endowed fund through an outright gift or in the future through a gift in their will

See a list of existing endowed funds.

How are the Baystate Health Foundation endowment funds invested and spent?

Baystate Health Foundation provides the day-to-day administration of Baystate Health’s endowed funds. The Investment Committee of Baystate Health’s Board of Trustees provides policy oversight and strategic direction for the funds, adhering to a prudent investment policy. The Investment Committee contracts with an independent investment advisor for additional expertise to evaluate strategies that recognize specific operating and governance issues relevant to Baystate Health. The annual spending policy is recommended by the Investment Committee of the Baystate Health Board of Trustees, which is responsible for final decision-making.

How do I make an endowment gift?

Endowment giving allows you to impact the future of care at Baystate Health– in some cases without any distribution of your current assets. You may choose from an array of options:

What is a named endowed chair?

A named endowed chair is a prestigious honor through which a clinical chair’s position is named after a donor. The funds associated with this donor’s gift go toward the work of the clinical chair, providing resources for research, education, and other needs that arise. These are funds that would not necessarily be available to the clinical chair without this special recognition.

Named endowed chairs are an honor to both the chair holder and the donor. By establishing endowed chairs, Baystate Health will have a more competitive edge when seeking high-quality healthcare leaders and providers to join our medical team. It is a prestige that attracts the best and the brightest in their field of medicine, which allows the health system to provide the highest level of care to its patients.

Ronald T. Burkman Endowed Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Millie and Ronald Burkman stand outdoors with a tree covered island behind them

In 2021, former Baystate Health Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Ronald Burkman, created the first named endowed chair position for the health system. Dr. Burkman endowed his former position, held by Dr. Heather Sankey, whom Dr. Burkman recruited to Baystate Health and continues to serve as a mentor to today. Read more.

 


Contact us: To learn more about creating or contributing to an existing endowed fund, contact Baystate Health Foundation at 413-794-5444 or BHF@BaystateHealth.org.

See our current endowed funds.

List of Named Endowed Chairs and Their Holders

Ronald T. Burkman Endowed Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology (est. 2021)

Holder: Dr. Heather Z. Sankey


Learn more about the available clinical chairs: Director of Philanthropy Allison Gomes at 413-794-7798 or Allison.Gomes@BaystateHealth.org.

List of Endowed Funds

Adams Nurse Education Fund (est. pre-1987)

This fund supports the education of nurses.

Amelia Alexander Operating Room Equipment Fund (est. pre-1984)

This fund helps to purchase equipment for operating rooms.

The Antonacci Family Endowed Fund for Baystate Children’s Hospital (est. 2019)

This fund supports Baystate Children’s Hospital and the care of pediatric patients.

Roger D. Babson Fund (est. 1981)

This fund can be utilized in the treatment of patients with mental distress.

The Rebecca L. Bounds Memorial Endowment for Patient Care in Nephrology (est. 2022)

The purpose of the Fund is to enhance and enrich care, treatment and guidance for patients with kidney disease through the Department of Nephrology at Baystate Health.

Bridgman Nurses Fund (est. 1956)

This fund supports educational opportunities for student nurses, graduates, or nurses employed at Baystate Medical Center.

Dr. Martin I. Broder Education Fund (est. 2003)

This fund supports an annual grand rounds lecture on humanism and professionalism. This was established as an endowment with generosity and vision by Dr. Broder's colleagues to honor Dr. Broder's long and outstanding tenure with Baystate Health. The purpose of the fund honors Dr. Broder's strong commitment to the transformative power of knowledge and the importance of continuing education and conversation.

The Dr. Fairy P. P. Brown Restricted Endowment (est. 1990)

This fund supports care for patients with chronic or incurable illnesses.

Ronald T. Burkman Endowed Chair in Obstetrics & Gynecology (est. 2021)

The purpose of the fund is to enhance Baystate Health’s ability to attract and retain distinguished faculty and/or clinical leadership in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and to maintain high clinical, educational and research standards for the treatment of obstetrical and gynecological patients.

Mollie Jean Carr and Thomas G. Carr Fund (est. 2007)

This fund helps to develop and enhance the nurse-patient family relationships and provides the necessary educational training/teaching to further these relationships.

Barbara M. Clarke Memorial Fund (est. 1994)

Established by Arthur H. Clarke, this fund provides perpetual support to honor the legacy of Barbara M. Clarke and to improve the health and well-being of women through health education.

The Dr. Nicholas P. Coe Fund for Surgical Education (est. 2016)

Established by Pam Coe, friends and colleagues, this fund honors Dr. Nicholas P. Coe's lifelong commitment to fostering an environment of learning and enhancing surgical skills and teaching. The fund provides perpetual support to enhance resources for Surgical residents to further their medical education, experiences, and learning.

Gertrude F. & William B. Coen Lecture Fund (est. 2016)

This fund supports the education of medical students, interns, residents, physicians, and other team members to improve patient relations and communication.

The Francis D. Dibble, Sr. and Caitlin Dibble Ross Memorial Fund (est. 2014)

This fund honors the memory of Francis D. Dibble, Sr., and Caitlin Dibble Ross by providing perpetual operating support to the Baystate Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice (now Baystate Home Health & Hospice).

Lynn and William Foggle Endowed Fund (est. 2016)

The purpose of the Lynn and William Endowed Fund is to provide financial support for the Baystate Health and Vascular Program for the greatest needs of patient care—ensuring the breadth and quality of life saving cardiac services for all future patients.

Dr. Paul Friedmann Education & Research Fund (est. 1997)

The purpose of this fund is to recognize and promote the education and research activities of Baystate Medical Center’s surgical residents. This fund is made possible by a permanent endowed fund established by colleagues and friends in 1997 in Dr. Paul D. Friedmann’s name to celebrate his retirement as the chairman of the Department of Surgery at Baystate Medical Center and his continuation in service in leadership roles for Baystate Health, Baystate at Tufts Medical School, and with the Pioneer Valley Life Sciences Institute, among other accomplishments. 

Dr. Sheldon Goldberg Memorial Lectureship Fund (est. 2000)

This fund supports a lecture in otolaryngology, the study of diseases of the ear and throat, for physicians and students.

Arthur Gramse, MD, Memorial Fund

This fund supports the Health Sciences Library at Baystate Health.

The Grodsky Family Endowed Fund for Patient Care (est. 2017)

This fund is used to provide financial support for the greatest needs for patient care at Baystate Medical Center, inclusive of all Springfield campus entities and programs.

Priscilla Hall Cancer Research Fund (est. 2002)

The purpose of this fund is to support cancer research activities for the department of Pathology.

The Stephen V. Hall, MD Endowed Fund for Anesthesiology Residency (est. 2019)

This fund honors Dr. Stephen V. Hall's career as an accomplished anesthesiologist and provides resources necessary to support and encourage young, aspiring anesthesiologists and researchers to continue advancing the field of anesthesiology.  This fund will be used to invest in the teaching and mentoring of anesthesiology residents at Baystate Health by enhancing clinical, academic and research opportunities to foster growth, learning and excellence.  

Hanmer Family Endowment

This fund supports the work being done at Baystate Home Health & Hospice.

Hematology/Oncology Education & Research Fund

This fund supports education and research endeavors related to hematology and oncology at Baystate Health.

Baystate Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice 100th Anniversary Endowment Fund (est. 2014)

This fund was created in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Baystate Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice, now referred to as Baystate Home Health & Hospice. Funds support home health and hospice care.

Dr. & Mrs. Louis Izenstein Fund for Education & Research in Diabetes and Endocrinology (est. 1994)

Started by the Dr. Louis Izenstein's family, upon his death in 1996, these lectures were developed by the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism to honor the memory of Dr. Izenstein. Dr. Izenstein was a pioneer and visionary, a native of Springfield who returned to the area upon finishing his training to develop an academic department of medicine with the special focus on the development of high-level faculty and to bring the state-of-the-art to the management of diabetes. The Izenstein Fund provides resources to bring nationally and internationally renowned figures in the field of diabetes, metabolism, or obesity to Baystate Medical Center. The award intends to recognize an investigator whose research has or will significantly advance the prevention or treatment of such disorders.

The Ann Jarrett Children’s Fund (Baystate Visiting Nurses Association & Hospice) (est. 2005)

This fund supports the care provided by Baystate Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice, now known as Baystate Home Health & Hospice, for terminally ill patients and their families. The fund has a special concern for children who are experiencing a death, either their own or that of a family member. The fund is established to help patients and families, with a special preference to those where children are involved, to experience death with dignity and peace.

Melissa Jennings Bereavement Counseling Program Fund (est. 1989)

This fund helps maintain a bereavement counseling program at Baystate Medical Center.

Joint Replacement Program Fund (est. 2011)

This fund supports the Total Joint Replacement Program, which is utilized to enhance existing programming and develop new programming opportunities to address the evolving healthcare needs of this patient population and remain competitive in the healthcare environment of the future.

David and Ruth Katz Endowed Fund (est. 2015)

This fund supports the greatest needs for patient care at Baystate Medical Center.

The John S. Lane & Son Endowed Fund (est. 2019)

This fund provides financial support for patient care at Baystate Noble Hospital.

Dr. Isaac Lewin Memorial Fund (est. 1981)

This fund supports cancer education for physicians and other healthcare professionals to promote inter-hospital cooperation in cancer education.

The Anthony P. Lovell, MD Memorial Endowed Award for Excellence (est. 2018)

This fund supports a graduating medical student from the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School-Baystate entering a Baystate Health Residency Program, with a preference for a student entering one of Baystate Health’s Internal Medicine residencies or a residency related to primary care. This fund honors Dr. Anthony Lovell’s legacy through support of a student who epitomizes Dr. Lovell’s life-long commitment to serving the community and to providing highly skilled and deeply compassionate medical care to their patients, and who shows great promise for a remarkable career in medicine. This fund helps Baystate Health continue to attract and retain the best and brightest future physicians to the region.

Benjamin Liptzin MD Endowed Fund for Psychiatry (est. 2021)

This fund supports programs, capital, education, research, or patient care initiatives to support excellence within the Department of Psychiatry, with a preference for activities that enhance education and research.

Lymphedema Services Fund (est. 2006)

This fund supports the care and treatment of patients with lymphedema.

John McP. and Mary Louise Collins Fund for Hospice Continuous Care (est. 2007)

This fund supports the care, comfort and consolidation that are not usually covered by insurance or other conventional sources for hospice and palliative care patients and their families.

OB/GYN Wesson Women’s Staff Fund (est. 1992)

This fund provides a continuous source of funding for projects that go beyond budget constraints.

J. Mark Peterman Lectureship in Acute Cardiovascular Care (est. 2013)

Established by colleagues and friends of Dr. J. Mark Peterman to celebrate his retirement, this fund supports the annual lecture focused on contemporary research and education in the field of acute cardiovascular care. Among many accomplishments, cardiologist Dr. Peterman developed the nationally and internationally renowned Baystate Regional Heart Attack Program at Baystate Health.

Samuel D. Plotkin Memorial Cardiac Symposium Fund (est. 1990)

This fund supports an annual Cardiology symposium. The primary goal of the symposium is to support safe, effective, patient centered, timely, efficient, equitable and compassionate care. The symposium is offered to cardiologists, hospitalists, primary care physicians, physician assistants, emergency medicine physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, and cardiovascular technologists.

The Polga-Sachsse Endowed Fund for Radiology (est. 2016)

This fund honors the combined 90 years of unsurpassed speed, efficiency and accuracy of Dr. Eckart Sachsse and Dr. James P. Polga in interpreting plain film and fluoroscopy at Baystate Health. The purpose of the fund is to provide resources for an annual lecture and case-based or didactic educational sessions by experts in diagnostic imaging practices with the goal of supplementing radiology resident education and providing continuing medical education for faculty at Baystate Health.

Dr. J. Gordon and Audrey Higgins Rich Endowed Fund (est. 2006)

This fund was established with generosity and vision by Audrey Rich to honor her husband’s belief in the power of healthcare and their commitment to give back to the local community. The fund supports the Baystate Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice (now Baystate Home Health & Hospice) with a focus on palliative care and hospice.

The Sergienko Endowed Fund (est. 2019)

This fund provides financial support for Baystate Health’s Acute Care of Elders Program with a preference for palliative care programs and health services for the elderly population served by the health system.

John F. Shaw Respiratory Fund (est. 1972)

This fund is used for developing improved diagnostic, treatment, and educational programs in respiratory disease at Baystate Medical Center. As recommended by the Chief of the Pulmonary Division, the fund will provide support for projects intended to enhance the treatment of patients with respiratory disease and projects in physician education and investigation, which will enhance the treatment of patients with respiratory disease at Baystate Medical Center.

Springfield Anesthesia Service Fund

This fund supports the work being done at Baystate Home Health & Hospice.

The Michael Steingart Memorial Endowed Fund for Neuroscience (est. 2018)

Established with a gift from the estate of Lotte Steingart and her family, this lectureship is given in memory of her beloved grandson Michael. This fund supports the promotion of education and research in Neuroscience, with a preferred focus on the field of Movement Disorders such as Tourette syndrome, Parkinson's disease, and other clinical disorders. Preference for use of this fund is to bring noted leaders in the field of neuroscience to Baystate Health to lecture on advances in neuroscience and related fields to stimulate thought, understanding and action.

Kristin Stueber, MD Endowment for Education in Plastic Surgery (est. 2008)

This fund honors Kristin Stueber, MD’s leadership as Division Chief of plastic surgery at Baystate Medical Center, her commitment to educational excellence and her advancement of cleft lip and palate surgery, among many other accomplishments.

Walter W. Swazey Equipment Fund – Wesson Memorial Unit (est. 1984)

This fund supports the purchase of equipment for Baystate Medical Center - Wesson Memorial Unit.

Vascular Medicine & Surgery Research Fund (est. 2003)

This fund supports research in the field of vascular medicine and surgery.

Bernard J. and Norma R. Vinick Medical Resident Education Fund (est. 2015)

The fund brings resources to Baystate Medical Center for the benefit of medical residents, medical resident travel to make presentations at national meetings, medical resident travel to other institutions, educational programs/sessions for medical residents and research.

Richard B. Wait, MD, PhD Endowed Leadership Lecture Fund

Established from contributions raised during a fundraising effort led by the surgical chiefs to celebrate Richard B. Wait, MD, PhD, Chairman of the Department of Surgery at Baystate from 1998 until 2015, this fund supports an annual lecture(s)/symposium(s) by a recognized speaker on physician leadership with the goal of helping to develop strong leadership capabilities for surgery residents and surgeons at Baystate Health.

David and Marcy Wilson Endowed Fund for Heart & Vascular Patient Care (est. 2019)

This fund supports patient care through the Baystate Health Heart & Vascular Program.

Lyman & Leslie Wood Fund

This fund supports the work being done at Baystate Home Health & Hospice.

The Setrag A. Zacarian, MD Memorial Lectureship Fund (est. 2003)

This fund was established by Dr. Zacarian’s colleagues at New England Dermatology and Laser to honor his memory and commitment to the advancement of medical knowledge. This fund provides perpetual support to bring experts in dermatology to Baystate Health to speak on best practices, new treatments, and exciting breakthroughs.