The City of Jackson and The West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation have recently come under scrutiny centered around the Jackson Pride event scheduled for October 8th in Conger Park in Jackson. Mayor Conger has issued a response on social media. After concerns about Foundation procedures concerning non-profit organizations and donations, NEWS/TALK 101.5 FM & WNWS.COM was able to get some answers from West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation President Frank McMeen.
What is The Foundation?
The Foundation is a community foundation, a public charity, that must abide by state and national laws. In doing so, it cannot be discriminatory.
Do my contributions to The Foundation go to events that are not in line with my values?
No. The Foundation receives gifts for specific purposes. If your gift is to one of our many children’s funds, it is only used there. For example, if it you make a gift to one of our many cancer funds, your gift only goes there.
What is a “fund of the Foundation?”
The Foundation has 496 Community Funds. These are started by people in the community that have a passion about a cause. Each fund raises their own funds.
The Foundation serves as a “bank” for each fund. We make sure that gifts that are given for a specific cause goes to that specific cause. We send each donor a receipt to make sure they know that their funds went to their specific fund.
When our Community Funds spend the money they have raised, we make sure the fund abides by all accounting principles that protect those gifts. We make sure that donors’ gifts are not going into someone’s pocket.
Does The Foundation give my donated funds to other funds, especially ones that I do not like?”
No. Your donated funds go where you direct us to put them.
Why would we allow funds at The Foundation that are different from my beliefs?
Our communities are very diverse. Our neighbors represent different nationalities, religious, and personal beliefs. While we may not agree with all beliefs, we do not pass judgement.
What projects will The Foundation ask me to donate to?
You can donate to any of our 496 funds.
If one of our staff members asks you for a gift, it will only be for one of three categories . . . 1) to help cancer patients 2) help children 3) help provide a Hospice House for West Tennessee.
However, a Community Fund may ask you for a donation for their specific cause and it is up to you to make that gift. If you make a gift to a specific Community Fund, we promise that it goes to that fund and we will send you a receipt telling you that your gift went to that specific fund.
Why is diversity important to The Foundation?
We believe that communities are better when all voices are heard, people are respected and when we treat people with respect. We want to treat others in the way we would like to be treated, even if we don’t look like everyone else or believe like everyone else.
How will The Foundation deal with issues in our community that disturb me?
Our main focus will be on 1) cancer patients 2) children’s issues and  3) a hospice house for those with 6 months or less to live.
We will always treat all people with respect and recognize diversity.
