Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Sechelt Hospital Foundation (SHF)

Sechelt Hospital Foundation’s mission is to support Sechelt Hospital and Sunshine Coast health services by raising, stewarding and distributing charitable funds for equipment, facilities, special projects, research and staff development that improve local patient care.

Sechelt Hospital Foundation (SHF) is a Foundation.

Sechelt Hospital Foundation (SHF) was founded in 1995.

Sechelt Hospital Foundation (SHF)'s official website is https://www.sechelthospitalfoundation.org/.

Role of Sechelt Hospital Foundation in the funding ecosystem

Sechelt Hospital Foundation is a registered charitable society governed by a volunteer board drawn from across British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast. Its core role is to raise and steward philanthropic funds that enhance health services primarily at Sechelt Hospital and, secondarily, at other Vancouver Coastal Health sites within Local Health Area 46 (Egmont to Port Mellon). The Foundation does not fund ongoing operating costs; instead it focuses on capital facilities and equipment, special projects, medical and scientific research, educational activities and community health promotion.

Since 1995, the Foundation has raised and invested more than $28 million in new medical equipment, facility improvements and staff education. Recent investments highlighted on the site include a 3D mammography system, dialysis chairs, echocardiography ultrasound, emergency department renovations, ambulatory care upgrades, transport ventilators, infant care equipment, and numerous smaller but critical devices that improve diagnostics, safety and patient comfort.

Funding themes and typical support

• Vital equipment: Acquisition of diagnostic and life‑saving equipment such as CT and ultrasound units, defibrillators, ventilators, cystoscopy systems, colonoscopy AI tools and laboratory equipment.
• Facility upgrades: Capital contributions to projects like the Emergency Department renovation, the Ambulatory Care Unit, and the Gibsons Public Health Unit, improving capacity, privacy and patient flow.
• Special and urgent projects: One‑time or time‑sensitive initiatives that address emerging clinical needs or service gaps, often in partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health and community donors.
• Staff development and education: Through the Staff Education Fund, the Foundation provides grants to Vancouver Coastal Health employees on the lower Sunshine Coast to attend courses, conferences and training or pursue further credentials, strengthening local clinical expertise.
• Community health promotion: Support for forums, MedTalks and other educational activities that address priority health needs and engage residents in prevention and wellness.

General approach to evaluating and allocating funds

The Foundation emphasizes high standards of stewardship, governance and fiscal responsibility. Its stated objectives include maintaining transparent management of donor funds, enhancing community recognition, and fostering inclusive relationships with hospital leadership, health‑authority partners and local residents. Funding priorities are aligned, where possible, with the policies and programs of Vancouver Coastal Health and Sechelt Hospital, ensuring that donor investments respond to clearly identified needs.

While each initiative has its own criteria, projects typically must demonstrate a direct benefit to patient care, improved safety or comfort, or measurable gains in staff capability and service quality on the Sunshine Coast. The Staff Education Fund operates on an application basis, with annual guidelines and forms published online outlining eligibility and the types of training and education that can be supported.

Publics served and community impact

The Foundation’s work benefits all Sunshine Coast residents by expanding access to comprehensive care close to home. Investments reduce the need for patients to travel for specialized diagnostics or treatments, enhance the hospital environment and support the retention and recruitment of skilled healthcare professionals. Community members can contribute through one‑time gifts, memorial and gratitude campaigns, planned giving, or by hosting third‑party fundraising events, all directed toward clearly communicated funding priorities.

Through annual reports to the community and audited financial statements, Sechelt Hospital Foundation documents its impact, details funded projects and maintains accountability to donors and partners, reinforcing its role as a key philanthropic funder in the regional health system.