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History

Since its founding in 1992, the Washington Greene Health Foundation (WGHF), previously Washington Health System Foundation, has played a vital role in strengthening healthcare across our region through philanthropy.

Built on a tradition of generosity, WGHF was established to financially support the Washington Hospital. From the beginning, community support has been essential to fulfilling that mission.

A Tradition of Philanthropy

Over the years, WGHF has raised millions of dollars to enhance patient care, expand services, and invest in innovation. 

Funding has been made possible through:

  • Generous donations from individuals, corporations, and community organizations
  • Annual giving campaigns engaging families, employees, and supporters
  • Special capital campaigns to fund major construction and renovation projects
  • Grants from private foundations, as well as state and federal funding sources

The impact of this support is significant:

  • Annual contributions have grown from approximately $900,000 in 1994 to more than $5.5 million in 2025
  • The Foundation has maintained an efficient fundraising model, consistently performing below national cost-to-raise benchmarks
  • More than $7.5 million has been realized through planned giving since 1999
  • Over $23.5 million has been secured through grant funding
  • More than $25 million has supported capital improvements and projects

Transformational Campaigns and Impact

Philanthropy has fueled many of the region’s most important healthcare advancements. 

Key campaigns and projects include:

  • Renewing Our Commitment (mid-1980s) – Raised $2.4 million to support the creation of a Cancer Treatment Center, now affiliated with UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
  • Campaign for the 21st Century (early 1990s) – Raised $3.1 million to construct a new wing at UPMC Washington
  • Campaign for Donnell House (2000) – Raised $3.2 million to establish a residential hospice facility
  • Building on Our Promise – Raised more than $11 million to expand emergency care, critical care, operating rooms, and hospital infrastructure
  • Stout Conference Center (2013) – Funded primarily through philanthropy, providing a modern space for education, collaboration, and emergency response coordination
  • Rice Energy Family Simulation Center (2015) – A state-of-the-art training facility using lifelike simulators to improve clinical skills and patient safety
  • Families Begin Here Campaign (2019) – Raised more than $4 million to create the CARE Center for Family Birth and Women’s Health, transforming obstetrics and women’s services

Each of these milestones reflects the power of community investment in advancing local healthcare.

In 2025, Washington Health System entered an affiliation with UPMC, marking a significant moment of growth and opportunity for healthcare in our region.

As part of this evolution, the Washington Health System Foundation became the Washington Greene Health Foundation, a name that reflects both its geographic reach and broader mission.

At the same time, the Foundation transitioned to a public charity, creating new opportunities to serve the community in even more impactful ways.

Today, the WGHF:

  • Continues its strong support of UPMC Washington and UPMC Greene, funding critical equipment, programs, and patient care initiatives
  • Expands its reach beyond hospital walls by providing grants to community-based nonprofit organizations
  • Invests in programs that address Access to Care, Clinical Excellence, Healthcare Workforce Development, and Community Health and Wellness across Washington and Greene counties

This transformation allows WGHF to take a more comprehensive approach to community health by supporting not only clinical care, but also the social and environmental factors that influence well-being.

While our name has evolved, our commitment remains the same: to improve the health and quality of life for those we serve. With the continued support of our donors, partners, and community, the Washington Greene Health Foundation is building on a proud legacy while creating new pathways to better health for generations to come.

Our Team
Our Board of Directors