06/01/2026
Each year, Essentia Health professionals go above and beyond to support the health and wellbeing of our community, making a lasting impact where it matters most.
The Cornerstone Fund was established in 2014 to support employee funded, employee directed projects and improvements at the Deer River and Grand Rapids facilities. Its name comes from the first cornerstone laid during the original hospital building project in 1958, a community led effort that reflects the determination and spirit of Deer River and the surrounding area.
The Cornerstone Fund is the employee giving arm of the Forward Health Foundation. Donations support special projects at Essentia Health Deer River and Grand Rapids, with 100% of funds raised going directly to those efforts. Every dollar stays within our facilities and is not used for operating expenses.
Through an annual campaign, employees submit ideas for projects that could improve patient care or enhance the patient experience. Cornerstone donors then choose which projects or items to fund. Employees can support the fund through a onetime gift or payroll deduction in \$1 increments.
The Forward Health Foundation helps manage the funds, provide tax deductible receipts, and support project implementation.
Community supporting community!!
