Our Cause

Power of One:

Thanks for your interest in being more generous in the Charlotte area.

The Power of One Fund is part of the generosity project launched in 2008 in Charlotte. Seeded by Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital in October 2008, the fund coordinates contributions from area businesses and individuals interested in making Charlotte “the most generous community in America.”

In addition to its initial contribution, HGB will donate 1 percent of its annual net income to the Power of One. The plan is to grow the fund throughout the community and use the money to support local projects that beget generosity, such as youth, church, business, school or civic programs that benefit other members of the community.

If you are participating in the live life. Nspired. 5K Run/One-Mile Walk, part of your registration will go toward Power of One. Thank you. As the fund grows, grants will be distributed throughout the community. So keep your eyes and ears open for more news. We appreciate your support.

In the meantime, if you would like to learn more, read on.

What does “power of one” mean?

It refers to the ability of one action to make a difference. One person, one dollar, one event, one idea, one vision, etc. Positive change can happen with just one initiator.

Why is HGB involved? Why did HGB start this?

Part of our mission statement is about supporting the community. If the people and businesses of our area are healthy, so are we. After much listening to the community, our board of trustees decided to make this symbolic first step in starting what we hope will be a lifetime commitment to making Charlotte and surrounding communities all they can be.

Generosity takes many forms. It’s not just about money. The Power of One Fund has the power to help other people discover what it means to be generous, no matter what form it takes for them personally. Whether with time, talent or money, we can all make a difference.

Where is the money coming from?

The HGB Board of Trustees has made a commitment to putting 1 percent of the hospitals NET revenue toward the fund each year. The better the hospital does, the more we can support our community. The money is not being taken from any personnel, equipment or patient care budgets. We believe this investment will come back to us ten-fold as we build better relationships with more people who will use our services and help create a better community for all of us.

Can I donate to the fund directly?

Yes! Contributions can be made to the hospital and will be earmarked for the Power of One Fund. They are tax-deductible, of course. Contact Barbara Fulton, HGB’s Director of Community and Organizational Development, at 517-541-5913 or bfulton@hgbhealth.com.

What kinds of projects will be funded?

It’s still early in the planning stages. Specific criteria and an application process are yet to be ironed out. The process will be inclusive of a number of local organizations, including the CAN DO! pillar groups. One preliminary example might be grants to youth, church, business, school or civic groups for programs that benefit other members of the community. More definition will come in the future.

What won’t be funded?

The fund is not designed to fund personal needs such as groceries, clothing, transportation or healthcare bills. If someone requests this kind of assistance, we can certainly help them find the resources that are available for such things.

Who is in charge of the money?

Right now, it will reside in a separate fund within the HGB Development Council, which is where all other contributions for the hospital now go. The hospital’s board will oversee its operation. In the future, however, the fund may be transferred into a community foundation and managed by a separate board of directors.

Is it only for big donors?

Not at all. Anyone who is interested in generosity and community vitality is welcome to contribute in whatever way is meaningful to them.