Using Arkansas Community Foundation to administer funds removes the burden of administrative costs

FAYETTEVILLE—Medical Associates of Northwest Arkansas (MANA), a physician-owned group practice with 74 physicians representing 11 specialties at 17 different clinics in Northwest Arkansas, makes a big impact not just delivering healthcare, but also playing a major role in charitable giving.

Since 2006, the MANA Charitable Fund (MCF) has plowed tens of thousands of dollars worth of donations from its staff and patrons into a wide variety of charitable services ranging from the scholarship for students in allied health programs to community health initiatives.

The MCF was established in 2006 when physicians and staff identified a need for a venue to provide charitable services to the community.

MANA makes it easy for its employees to have contributions with a payroll deduction program to help fund programs that make a difference in Northwest Arkansas. Staff members can have as little as $2 or $5 per paycheck that goes into the MCF, although many participate at higher amounts. Participants vote on 12 charities to receive the donations each year.

Instead of having its own separate charity, MANA chose to have the funds managed by the Arkansas Community Foundation (ACF). MANA Chief Financial Officer Paula Storment said it makes sense to have MANA structured to raise funds to give to charities rather than trying to run the charitable programs itself because of the administrative cost and expertise required to form and run your own charitable organization.

“We are in the medical service business and want to focus our human resources on taking care of patients,” Storment said. “Arkansas Community Foundation takes that administrative burden off of us while still allowing us to give donations to charitable groups and provide scholarships.”

Employees love it, said MANA marketing director Carole Masterson.

“Each month a different charity gets that donation,” Masterson said. “We do check presentations each month where we learn more about each charity. We donated $24,000 in 2013, and will do the same thing for 2014.”

MCF has a Community Health Grant program that local charities can apply to fund special projects. The board includes both physicians and community. The board chooses the grant applications from charities that make the biggest impact on the health of the community. Some of the charities that have received support include the Arkansas Children's Hospital & Angel One, Little Rock, Habitat for Humanity and the 7 Hills Shelter in Fayetteville, and the Peace at Home Family Shelter, Northwest Arkansas Food Bank, the Springdale Children's Safety Center and the Northwest Arkansas Children's Shelter, all in Springdale.

“The 7 Hills Homeless Center has thoroughly enjoyed being a beneficiary of the MANA charitable giving programs,” said Chelsea Miller, outreach liaison for the

7 Hills Homeless Center. “Through our partnership, 7 Hills has been able to provide a variety of medical benefits to our clients including direct medical care, educational materials, and items essential to the health and well being of our clients.”

One of MCF’s most popular events is a 5K fun run fundraiser usually held the last weekend in March. This event does double duty providing an activity that is healthy in itself, encouraging individuals and families to get out and exercise, in addition to raising money for local charities.

The MCF provides the materials for free health screenings at health fairs in the community throughout the year. Screenings include total cholesterol, glucose, body mass index, blood pressure and breast cancer risk assessment.

Another popular activity that other businesses can participate in is a MCF jeans day button.

“We provide posters and buttons to a company for the fundraiser,” Masterson said. “Employees who choose to participate pay $5 to wear jeans and they get a MCF jeans day button. It helps bring awareness to MCF and raise money. So far we have done it at MANA clinics and Arvest Bank, but hope to expand in the next year.”

There is also a program to help healthcare employees who have been harmed by natural disaster, fire or other misfortunes.

“Any healthcare employee can apply who has had an emergency,” Masterson said. “It started when we saw a need to help some of our coworkers, and we have been able to help a lot of people that way. The MANA Charitable Disaster and Emergency Hardship Relief Fund provides assistance to healthcare employees who have experienced a disaster or emergency hardship beyond their control or one in their immediate family. It seeks to assist healthcare employees who lack the necessities of life, involving physical, mental, or emotional well-being, as a result of poverty or temporary distress.”

Examples of needy persons include a person who is financially impoverished as a result of low income and lack of financial resources, a person who temporarily lacks food or shelter and the means to provide for it, and someone who is temporarily not self-sufficient as a result of a sudden and severe personal or family crisis such as being the victim of a crime of violence or being physically abused.

Another important effort helps address healthcare workforce needs by providing three Murray T. Harris scholarships per year for students in allied health programs. The scholarships focus on professions within the healthcare sector that are currently underserved to help attract qualified candidates in these fields. The grant making committee at the Fayetteville Area Arkansas Community Foundation evaluates applicants. Financial need is considered, but does not have to be the primary consideration.

How Can You Help?

Have a jeans day fundraiser for MANA Charitable Fund at your company.

Volunteer Your Time

Volunteer opportunities to help with flu clinics, free health screenings, and the annual 5K fundraiser.

Make a Donation

Visit www.mana.md/charitablegiving to make a donation.

Spread the Word

Let students in allied health programs know about the Murray T. Harris Scholarship to help with their school expenses.

For more information go online to www.mana.md/charitablegiving/