Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation (SJRHF)

The Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation’s mission is to inspire philanthropy and community support to advance health care for New Brunswickers. By partnering with clinicians and Horizon Health Network, it funds priority equipment, facilities, research and patient programs so that exceptional care is available close to home.

Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation (SJRHF) is a Foundation.

Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation (SJRHF)'s official website is https://sjrhfoundation.ca/.

Role of the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation in the funding ecosystem

The Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation (SJRHF) is a hospital foundation dedicated to mobilizing donor generosity to advance health care in Saint John and across New Brunswick. Working closely with Horizon Health Network and community partners, it closes the gap between what provincial funding can provide and what is truly possible by granting millions of dollars each year to priority projects, programs and research initiatives.

According to its 2024–2025 Donor Impact Report, the Foundation raised over $11 million and granted more than $9.4 million in a single year to advance patient care and innovation. Donation disbursements are directed through a portfolio of funding areas including equipment and technology, expansion of clinical facilities, patient support and access, research, recruitment and retention, community health and partner foundations, and major campaigns such as robotic-assisted surgery.

Main funding themes and priority areas

• Surgical excellence and innovation: Multi‑year campaigns support Atlantic Canada’s most advanced hybrid operating room at the New Brunswick Heart Centre and one of Canada’s first spinal robotics programs, improving safety, precision and recovery times for complex cardiac and spine surgeries.
• Cancer care and survivorship: The Dr. Margot Burnell Cancer Support Program and the Greater Saint John Cancer Support Centre offer free, holistic programs for patients, survivors and caregivers, funded through donor contributions to the Foundation.
• Diagnostic access and technology: Investments in MRI staffing, training and requisition systems have significantly increased imaging capacity and reduced wait times province‑wide. Donor funding has also purchased state‑of‑the‑art apheresis machines for the New Brunswick Stem Cell Program.
• Patient support and lodging: Grants fund temporary lodging and other supports for patients and families who must travel to Saint John for cancer treatment, easing financial and emotional burdens.
• Research and innovation: Through initiatives like the Medical Innovators’ Challenge and support for the Canada East Spine Centre and national clinical registries, the Foundation backs local research with national impact in areas such as thoracic surgery, cardiology and spine care.
• Workforce development: The Foundation invests in nursing education, scholarships, and professional development, helping to recruit and retain skilled health-care professionals.

General approach to granting and impact

The SJRHF acts as a strategic funding partner to Saint John Regional Hospital and Horizon Health Network. Projects are typically identified in collaboration with clinical leaders and hospital administration to address urgent needs, reduce wait times, introduce advanced treatments or improve patient experience. Funds are then allocated to defined projects, capital investments, clinical programs or research initiatives, with results reported through annual impact reports, audited financial statements and storytelling on the Foundation’s website.

In addition to major campaigns, the Foundation manages endowment funds and legacy gifts, supports community‑led fundraising events, and channels targeted donations to specific departments or causes. Its granting activities span the full continuum of care, from high‑tech operating rooms and diagnostic suites to community‑based mental health, cancer survivorship, and patient‑centred support services.

Transparency, governance and accountability

The Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and overseen by a Finance, Audit and Investment Committee that regularly reviews investments, policies and cost‑recovery practices. Audited financial statements are published annually, and a governance policy and commitment to the Donor Bill of Rights underscore its focus on ethical stewardship of donor dollars. Through this structure, the SJRHF maintains a clear, accountable framework for its grantmaking and long‑term investments in New Brunswick’s health-care system.