Gratitude and Philanthropy:
The Birth of The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital

As part of the 1996 merger of Barnes Hospital and Jewish Hospital, The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital was born, carrying forward a rich history of philanthropy from both institutions. 

Early Barnes and Jewish Philanthropy 

Throughout its history, Jewish Hospital was a philanthropic focus of the St. Louis Jewish community, attracting gifts from prominent families or their foundations: the Shoenbergs, Steinbergs, Waldheims, Wohls, and Yalems, among others. Early on, the dedicated Auxiliary served as the fundraising and volunteer arm of the hospital, which later established an active development office. 

Like Jewish Hospital, Barnes Hospital initially relied on its Auxiliary to raise money for special projects, such as new technology and a bridge walkway from the hospital’s garage. Sometimes, grateful patients established funds named for their physicians.  

At both hospitals, tribute gifts have long provided a way for family members and friends to honor loved ones or recognize special occasions. 

The Birth of the Foundation 

After the merger, the Barnes-Jewish Hospital Foundation was established and adopted new fundraising strategies. The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital has steadily expanded its size and scope. Staff members throughout the years were crucial to the Foundation’s strategic growth; from a team of just 13, the Foundation has more than tripled the number of seasoned staff, positioning the organization to reach a new level of impact. With gifts coming in from a variety of sources including corporations, planned gifts, other foundations and, largely, individuals or families. 

Every gift since the Foundation’s start has played a role in transforming health care, no matter the size, and all are driven by compassion for others. One Kentucky donor sent $10 to support heart and vascular care, saying simply: “Love your hospital. Not much, but all I can send.” A father from Arkansas wrote a heartfelt letter of thanks for his daughter’s care at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, and he tucked in a check for $400. 

Grants and Awards 

Between 1996 and 2026, the Foundation raised more than $479.5 million and disbursed more than $926.52 million to support exceptional patient care, fuel breakthrough treatments, fund proactive health programs beyond the hospital walls, and create pathways for future caregivers as well as support for our teams of today. 

More milestones funded by the Foundation

The Foundation also partners with nonprofit organizations, community residents with lived experiences, and BJC HealthCare's Community Health Improvement team to convene, support, and lead efforts that address individual health needs and systemic barriers to health equity.  It has also supported outreach programs such as Beyond Housing, the Effort for AIDS, and St. Patrick Center; supplied as many as 30,000 free flu shots annually to the public; helped support diabetes outreach efforts; and provided money for a new “Cheers” van that takes nursing students from Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing into the community. 

The Foundation’s Future 

Over time, much has changed at the Foundation. In 2011, its original name — the Barnes-Jewish Hospital Foundation — became The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital. The board of directors also has evolved. Once required to have 20 board members each from the former Barnes and Jewish Hospitals, it now represents a cross-section of the broader community. 

Many other aspects of hospital life, such as medical technology and health care options, have also improved dramatically. But one focus remains the same; Barnes Hospital and Jewish Hospital were founded, through donor generosity, to provide medical care to patients of any religion or economic background — and today, Barnes-Jewish Hospital continues to offer exceptional broad-based care, thanks to the continued generosity of the community. 

*This history is excerpted from A Legacy of Caring: The History of Barnes-Jewish Hospital. For more information or to purchase this book, please contact us at [email protected] or 314-286-0600.