Role of Fondation Sainte-Croix/Heriot in the funding ecosystem
Fondation Sainte-Croix/Heriot is a major health foundation serving the Drummond regional county municipality in Québec. Created in 1979 and enlarged through a 2008 merger of two hospital foundations, it exists to improve people’s lives by providing human and financial support to projects that enrich care and user experience across CIUSSS de la Mauricie-et-du-Centre-du-Québec facilities in the Drummondville area. The foundation invests in the local hospital, long-term care centres, seniors’ homes, ambulatory and community health services.
Through the section “Soumettre une demande”, the foundation invites physicians and health-care staff of the CIUSSS MCQ–Drummondville sector to identify needs and submit projects for funding. It explicitly finances major infrastructure projects, innovative medical and care equipment, as well as humanization-of-care and wellness activities. Supported initiatives range from large-scale pediatric clinics to garden and courtyard improvements that make everyday life more pleasant for residents and patients.
General approach to project selection
The foundation states that it does not wish to replace the government’s responsibility for core health services. Its allocation committee therefore evaluates each project in light of its impact on users and staff, its alignment with the institution’s development plan, and its added value beyond standard public funding. All funding requests must be endorsed by the project lead, their manager and a senior CIUSSS MCQ executive before being submitted to the foundation’s general management using an official application form.
Supported audiences and overall impact
Beneficiaries include all patients, families, seniors and health-care personnel using or working in the CIUSSS MCQ Drummond installations. Highlighted projects show investments in pediatric and obstetric services, long-term care environments, diagnostic services and various community-based programs. The foundation emphasizes that its “small essential gestures” have a large impact on quality of life, accessibility of services and the attractiveness of local health institutions for staff recruitment and training.
Funding sources, recognition and governance
Fondation Sainte-Croix/Heriot raises funds through individual donations, planned giving via its Heritage Program, corporate partnerships, community initiatives and major benefit events. A structured recognition program offers public visibility and honorary awards to donors, partners and volunteers at various contribution levels. The board of directors brings together leaders from business, health, law and communications, while a specialized staff team manages philanthropy, events, communications and finances. Annual reports, available on the website, provide transparent information on activities, investments and the evolution of the foundation’s financial support to the region.