CommonSpirit Health Recognizes Barrow for Excellence in Philanthropy

Barrow Neurological Foundation was recognized as the 2020 Foundation of the Year during the annual CommonSpirit Health Philanthropy Educational Summit.  More than eighty CommonSpirit foundations across 21 states were evaluated on excellence in stewardship, innovation, efficiency, cost-per-dollar-raised, and transfer of funds. Based on Barrow Neurological Foundation’s impressive performance during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was chosen as best among CommonSpirit foundations nationwide.

 “We are honored to raise money to support our donors’ passion for the life-saving programs at Barrow Neurological Institute,” says Katie Cobb, president of Barrow Neurological Foundation. “I want to congratulate my entire team including our committed and passionate board for performing at a level of excellence that can garner an award like this.  It’s this level of performance that can fund the hope of countless patients facing the most debilitating neurological conditions.”

In spite of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on healthcare, the economy, and individuals, Barrow Neurological Foundation exceeded its fundraising goal by 20%, decreased expenses by 15%, improved the cost-to-raise dollar by 18%, and most impressive of all, transferred more than $30 million to Barrow Neurological Institute.

“On behalf of the staff of Barrow Neurological Institute, I want Katie and her team to know how proud we are of their efforts.  CommonSpirit is an impressive and caring organization, and to have Barrow Neurological Foundation lead the way and receive CommonSpirit’s 2020 Foundation of the Year award demonstrates that Katie and her team constitute one of the strongest neuroscience foundations in the world,” says Michael T. Lawton, MD, President and CEO of Barrow.  “This strength in fundraising allows our clinicians to restore the lives and hopes of our patients and their families, and allows this institute to become a worldwide center of excellence in the neurosciences.”

One hundred percent of the money raised by the Foundation goes toward supporting the Institutes mission of providing unsurpassed patient care, conducting groundbreaking research and educating the next generation of neuroscientists.

Other nominees for CommonSpirit’s 2020 Foundation of the Year Award were:

• California Hospital Medical Center Foundation, Los Angeles, CA

• CHI Memorial Foundation, Chattanooga, TN

• Dominican Hospital Foundation, Santa Cruz, CA

• Marian Regional Medical Center Foundation, Santa Maria, CA

Barrow Neurological Foundation was also nominated for the Model Stewardship Award and Largest Philanthropic Gift.