05/27/2026
Great River Health and Henry County Health Center Foundations
Formalize Collaborative Partnership
The Great River Health Foundation and the Henry County Health Center Foundation formalized a new collaborative partnership, marking an important milestone for both organizations. A signing ceremony on May 12 commemorated a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlines a shared, team based approach to advancing philanthropy in support of healthcare across Southeast Iowa.
Representatives from both organizations gathered to reaffirm their shared commitment to strengthening charitable giving that supports patients, providers, and healthcare services throughout the region. Together, the Foundations raise funds to support high quality healthcare in Southeast Iowa, helping patients in need and funding critical equipment and resources for local hospitals and clinics.
Under the agreement, the Foundations will operate through a shared team based management model designed to enhance fundraising strategy, improve coordination, and expand philanthropic impact. Each Foundation will continue to maintain its own board of directors, donor relationships, and custody of funds, with donor intent remaining paramount. Dollars raised locally will continue to support the local hospital campus.
Leaders from both organizations emphasized that the agreement is not a merger, but rather a strategic collaboration focused on long term sustainability, donor clarity, and community impact.
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“The people of Southeast Iowa are proud of their local hospital,” said Jason Hutcheson, Vice President – Foundation for Great River Health. “This new collaboration will better align the work of the Foundations to share the story of how donor dollars truly matter in the lives of our patients.”
“This agreement reflects a thoughtful and intentional approach to collaboration,” said Jan Towne, chair of the Henry County Health Center Foundation board. “By working together in this way, we strengthen our ability to serve our communities while honoring the unique missions and priorities of each Foundation.”
The partnership includes a 24 month implementation and evaluation period, during which the Foundations will align planning, reporting, and donor engagement practices while maintaining a strong local presence in their respective communities.
“This is about building capacity and ensuring strong philanthropic stewardship for the future,” said Bob Huffman, Great River Health Foundation board chair. “Today’s signing represents a shared commitment to collaboration, accountability, and service.”
Both Foundations will continue to share updates on collaborative initiatives and community impact as the partnership moves forward. Each organization hosts several fundraising events throughout the year. The Great River Health Foundation hosts an annual Golf Classic at Sheaffer Memorial Golf Course in June and its Night of Dreams Gala in November. The Henry County Health Center Foundation hosts an annual BINGO Night each March and plans to hold a Dueling Pianos event this fall.
To learn more about the work of the Foundations, visit www.greatriverhealth.org.
