PURPOSE

The Caritas Fund supports improvements to patients’ experiences at Royal Columbian Hospital. Physicians, nurses, allied healthcare professionals, support staff and administrative staff (RCH Family) can access funding to delight patients and create positive, memorable experiences. The goal of the Caritas Fund is to alleviate patients’ stress, quiet their fears and, most importantly, bring them joy during a difficult time in their lives.

USE OF FUNDS

The Caritas Fund was created to improve all aspects of patient experiences. Caritas funding will support: 

Medical and non-medical products that demonstrate an ability to improve patient comfort, security, privacy, recovery and activity

Patient education and patient satisfaction programs that directly improve patient experience

Projects and initiatives targeting the improvement of patient experience.

FUNDING

The Caritas Fund will be funded with the following:

1. An annual, designated donation of $150,000.  
2. Any other gifts or bequests that may be designated for the Fund provided they conform to articles 1.0 and 2.0 of these Terms of Reference.

EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS

$150,000 will be allocated through two funding processes: Monthly Immediate Needs Applications (≤$5,000) and Annually Strategic Needs Applications (≥$5,001). 

Immediate Needs Applications:

1. Applications equal to or less than $5,000
2. Evaluated internally
3. Funding allocated monthly
4. Total annual funding no greater than $60,000

Strategic Needs Applications:

1. Applications greater than 5,000
2. Evaluated by Caritas Committee
3. Funding allocated annually
4. Total annual funding no greater than $90,000

Evaluation of Applications:

1. Immediate Needs Applications: Applications will be evaluated by Foundation President & CEO, the Fund Administrator, a member of RCH Senior Leadership, and a donor. 
2. Strategic Needs Applications: A Committee will assemble once per year to evaluate submissions greater than $5,000 and advise on the dissemination of funds. This group will include representation of physicians, health professionals, and major donors to the Caritas Fund and the AIM Fund.

Allocation of Funds:

1. Immediate Needs Applications: Applications must be ≤ $5,000. Annual funding must not exceed 40% ($60,000) of total $150,000 annual funding. This can be amended by the Foundation CEO and the donors at their discretion.
2. Strategic Needs Applications: Applications must be ≥ $5,001. Annual funding must not exceed 60% ($90,000) of total annual funding. This can be amended by the Foundation CEO and the donors at their discretion. 
3. If annual funding ($150,000) is not expended within the calendar year, the remaining funds will be transferred to the following year. The fund allocation for subsequent years will be increased by the amount that is carried over.
4. Preference will be given to innovative equipment and products with a demonstrated ability to improve patient satisfaction and/or patient experience quickly and materially.
5. Preference will be provided to projects that provide a significant impact relative to their investment.
6. Funding must be spent within 6 months of approval. 
7. An impact review of approved products/projects/initiative must be submitted to the Foundation within 12 months of disbursement of funds.