2026 Contributions Support
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.
Respite Care
The Community Foundation helps fund rooms at The Guest House which provides medical lodging for patients and families. Their mission is to build community and healing by providing comfortable, affordable accommodations for patients and their families through their treatment.
Research
The Community Foundation supports various Gift of Hope research initiatives. Gift of Hope is one of four organ procurement organizations in the country involved in a study to provide accurate information regarding organ donation to decision making Black Americans. The study is testing culturally targeted communication skills training and intervention for the donation professionals responding to policy changes to increase the nation's supply of transplantable organs and increase access to minority transplant candidates.
