Who We Are

The First Hospital Foundation was created as a result of the merger between Pennsylvania Hospital and the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania. Established in 1997, the foundation is a not-for-profit private foundation, whose purpose is to support programs that improve the health and well-being of vulnerable and underserved populations in the five-county Philadelphia metropolitan region. Since its inception the First Hospital Foundation has provided more than $13.8 million in grants to nonprofits serving those in need.

The First Hospital Foundation also recognizes and values its link to Pennsylvania Hospital and is committed to supporting the preservation of its history, artifacts and memorials.

What We Believe

The First Hospital Foundation believes that, through partnerships with nonprofit organizations whose missions align with ours, we can be more effective in finding solutions to the underlying causes of health disparities and in addressing gaps in health care services. The foundation values innovative approaches that may have a transformative or multiplier effect on the populations served and on the organizations or systems that provide such crucial services. The foundation believes that working collaboratively with others increases our collective ability to advance knowledge in the field and to make a positive difference in the health of vulnerable populations.

What We Do

The First Hospital Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations working to improve access to high quality health care, behavioral health services, dental services, healthy food and social services. The foundation supports organizations that provide direct services, efficient approaches, promising strategies and evidence-based practices that support its mission.

The foundation brings people, organizations and resources together to improve the health and well-being of the most vulnerable people in the five-county metropolitan region, particularly in Philadelphia. We partner with nonprofit organizations, government leaders and other foundations in order to advance knowledge in the field and to make a positive difference in the health of those in need.

Our priorities include improving access to health care and behavioral health services by the uninsured and under insured; reducing public health risks; promoting the health and well-being of children and families; educating, training and advocating for improved healthcare outcomes; and developing replicable, innovative approaches to healthcare delivery.