Nebraska Medicine and the University of Nebraska Foundation have announced an affiliation agreement that forms a strategic partnership to increase the efficiency of fundraising activities and expand private financial support for both Nebraska Medicine and UNMC.
Under the agreement the University of Nebraska Foundation will manage all aspects of development for the Nebraska Medicine health network, including fundraising, development personnel and the management and allocation of donated funds as designated by donors. The affiliation culminated two years of research, planning and discussions and was approved by the governing directors of Nebraska Medicine and the University of Nebraska Foundation.
“This community is fortunate to have people who strongly support the advancement of health through clinical care, education and research,” said Nebraska Medicine CEO Dan DeBehnke, M.D. “The NU Foundation’s experience and reputation in linking generous donors with projects that reflect their desire to give back are why this partnership makes so much sense for Nebraska Medicine and our academic and research partners at UNMC.”
Jeffery P. Gold, M.D., chair of the Nebraska Medicine Board of Directors and UNMC chancellor, said the affiliation is important because of the already close relationship between Nebraska Medicine and UNMC.
“The university’s students and faculty members must have the opportunity to serve and learn in a premier clinical setting,” he said. “We are grateful to have this strong clinical partner in Nebraska Medicine and are incredibly thankful for the support donors have provided and continue to provide to both organizations in strengthening our entire medical enterprise.”
With the affiliation, Amy Volk, senior vice president for UNMC development at the University of Nebraska Foundation, also has become the chief development officer for Nebraska Medicine. She joined the foundation in 1993 and has been involved in a wide range of development efforts for UNMC. In collaboration with Nebraska Medicine and UNMC, she is responsible for implementing the new advancement strategy.
Nebraska Medicine staff who had worked in the health network’s former development office have transitioned into other roles within the patient experience office. In the new affiliation, the patient experience office will work collaboratively with the NU Foundation on the engagement of patients who may want to give to Nebraska Medicine or UNMC.
As outlined in the affiliation, the organizations will collaborate to identify fundraising priorities that will result in a coordinated advancement effort between Nebraska Medicine and UNMC. This work will include plans for the health system’s ongoing grateful patient program as well as plans for major giving opportunities.
Current and new fundraising staff members assigned to Nebraska Medicine development will work from offices at the University of Nebraska Foundation, which has locations in Omaha, Lincoln and Kearney.
The University of Nebraska Foundation, a separate nonprofit established in 1936, is designated by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents as the fundraising and fund management organization for the University of Nebraska. The university system includes the University of Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska at Omaha, University of Nebraska-Lincoln and University of Nebraska at Kearney.
“Since the very start of the foundation during the Great Depression it has been focused on helping others give to make Nebraska’s university even better in every regard,” said Brian Hastings, president and CEO of the University of Nebraska Foundation.
“As the university’s teaching and clinical partner — providing premier health care to thousands of Nebraskans and others throughout the region — we are especially enthusiastic about the opportunity to partner with Nebraska Medicine in all it does to help people.”
There is no one better to lead and successfully accomplish the goals and objectives set forth in combining the functions then Amy Volk. She says….she does. Congrats.
Completely agree with Keith. Well Said.
Amy is a powerhouse and will be great in this dual role. She understands both areas medical and fundraising and she works with a great staff. this combined position should avoid repeat fundraising requests to donors who support both.