Gift of Hope Community Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network, plays a vital role in advancing the mission of organ and tissue donation. By funding programs that support donor families and fostering education and research, the Community Foundation maximizes the positive impact of organ and tissue donation. Our work not only helps save lives but also honors the legacy of donor heroes and strengthens the community’s understanding and support for the mission to save and enhance as many lives as possible through organ and tissue donation.

Legacy Blanket Program
In partnership with the Kyle Zuleg Foundation and Live LaMore Foundation the Legacy Blanket Program is supported by the Community Foundation. At over 180 hospitals, donor families who have a loved one in the process of becoming a donor receive a warm Legacy Blanket. The intent is to send a warm hug to a donor family, so they do not feel so alone and know there is a community of support. 

Family Support Fellowship
The Community Foundation helps fund a Fellow from Bishop Anderson House at John Stroger Hospital. This Fellow provides spiritual and emotional support to families when a loved one is admitted to a critical care unit. 

Research
The Community Foundation supports various Gift of Hope research initiatives. One initiative is to gain a better understanding of perceptual mapping in black communities in Chicago to develop culturally relevant and linguistically appropriate organ donation messaging. This led to partnering with Sinai Urban Health Institute last year and with Temple University’s CEAD-IDO research.