Valleywise Health Foundation was awarded a $2.5 million unrestricted grant by Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust on Monday as part of its Now is the Moment Grants Commemoration to support the mission of Valleywise Health, Arizona’s public teaching health system, as it navigates COVID-19 and other emergency needs.

Piper Trust awarded $123 million in surprise grants to 71 Maricopa County nonprofits, ranging from Human Services and Education, to Arts and Culture, Healthcare, Medical Research and more, to thank and show gratitude for all that they continue to accomplish “in the midst of ambiguous times.”

“We continue to live in a time of unprecedented healthcare challenges and needs combined with rising costs, workforce shortages, and supply chain concerns. On top of all of this, many may not realize that 65 percent of Valleywise Health patients are considered financially vulnerable,” said Mary Jane Rynd, president and CEO of Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust. “We hope Piper Trust’s grant to Valleywise will help fortify its critical service mission—as they continue to keep their eye on transformational care that improves overall community health,” said Rynd.

“We could not be more grateful for this incredibly generous support,” said Valleywise Health Foundation CEO Nate Lowrie. “The record-setting day led by the seven Trustees of Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust was truly an honor to witness and take part in. We’re thankful the heroic work that happens each day at Valleywise Health, one of America’s Essential Hospitals, has been recognized for the difference it makes for families across the Valley.”

Despite a tumultuous year due to the global health crisis caused by COVID-19 and economic uncertainty across all sectors, many individuals and institutions with large investments in the in the stock market experienced extraordinary growth in the value of their holdings. Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust’s endowment grew by $123 million in the 15 months following the start of the pandemic. With these two opposing forces at work, and as stewards of the Trust’s founder, Virginia Galvin Piper, Trustees felt compelled to share with the community all of the earnings in one swift action.

“Granting $123 million to more than 70 organizations, in a single day, is both inspiring and impactful in serving community needs across Maricopa County,” said Valleywise Health President and CEO Steve Purves. “The ability to utilize these unrestricted funds for the most critical needs, will make the most direct impact for our frontline medical professionals and patients alike. On behalf of all of us at Valleywise Health, we are especially thankful for Piper Trust’s meaningful support during the most challenging time in our more than 140-year history.”

Grantee selection was shaped by each organization’s respective mission and impact in the community. The grants range in size and were determined by a variety of factors such as an organization’s overall need, budget size, and populations served. Some selections were based on Virginia Piper’s history of giving to organizations as well as her personal values.

“We are grateful for the generosity and vision of Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust,” said Mary Rose Wilcox, Chairman of the Maricopa County Special Health Care District (Valleywise Health). “This generous gift will have a tremendous impact on our efforts to expand our reach into the community. It also is a tribute to our hardworking health care professionals, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“For decades Piper Trust has been a key partner with nonprofits to make our Valley a better place,” said Valleywise Health Foundation Board Chair John Hoopes. “For an organization like Piper Trust to recognize the public health mission of Valleywise Health, a mission more essential now than ever, is so gratifying.  Their generous gift will be put to immediate good use for the benefit of the thousands of our neighbors served by Valleywise Health every day.”

To learn more and donate, contact Kate Fassett kfassett@valleywisehealthfoundation.org or visit www.valleywisehealthfoundation.org

Click here to read the full Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust Sept. 13, 2021, grant initiative announcement.

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