“Love is a fruit, in season at all times and within the reach of every hand. Anyone may gather it and no limit is set.” – Mother Teresa

The Iowa Hospice Foundation (IHF) was established in 2005 for the purpose of enhancing the vision of hospice. It is a nonprofit foundation organized under IRS code 501(c) (3). IHF is a charitable organization supported solely by contributions.

Our mission is to provide access to hospice care to anyone in need, regardless of their ability to pay. Thanks to community support, we do not turn anyone away because they cannot afford our care.
Our funding also assists in educating our communities about hospice care so that patients and their families will know how and when to make the right care decisions that will allow patients to avoid needless suffering. Additionally, donations are used to provide continued education for medical professionals, support disease research, and create positive settings for our patients.

Why support hospice?

The need for hospice is growing dramatically. According to a study released in a 2005 edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association, home-based hospice care received high levels of satisfaction from patients and families. Additionally, a National Institute of Health study showed that more Americans now die at home or in hospice care than in hospitals.

Many hands sustain the Iowa Hospice "Love in Action" mission. As a team, we are dedicated to providing the best end-of-life care in Iowa and reaching underserved areas that are perhaps unaware hospice services exist.

Iowa Hospice has assisted nearly 1,000 families in 60 counties across the state. Today we serve patients with illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, Lou Gehrig's disease, AIDS, emphysema, and Alzheimer's. No matter how sick, no matter what age -- from infants in our Little Flower Hospice to grandparents – we are ready to help.

How your gifts help.
Your contribution allows us to care for others in need in many different ways:

• Bereavement resources for libraries, schools, hospitals, hospices, and support groups.
• Grief camps for youths who have lost a loved one. Such camps offer children a safe and supportive environment to express their grief.
• Medical services, medications, and general assistance to terminally ill individuals and their families who have no ability to pay.
• Professional bereavement programs and education for hospice families.
• Public awareness campaigns that promote the importance of hospice care.
• Memorial services for underprivileged families who have lost a loved one.
• Research projects pursuing advancements in hospice care.
• Support of other non-profit organizations that deal with terminally ill patients.
• End-of-life education for healthcare professionals.
• Offering education for the public sector and religious community to highlight the value of using hospice care.
• Giving solace and support through community programs and volunteer efforts, which is a free service for adults and children who have experienced loss or trauma.

What does the IHF fund?

Iowa Hospice Super Market Sweep

Food "lost its taste" for an Iowa Hospice patient in a nursing home -- in fact, Cinnamon Toast Crunch® cereal was the only food that sounded appetizing. The foundation made sure the patient got his sugary cereal for every meal. True, the gesture didn't cost much, but it's the little, day-to-day "extras" that count in hospice care.

What other organizations has Iowa Hospice supported?

• Sponsor for the Relay for Life, supporting the American Cancer Society
• Sponsor of the 5th Annual ALS Golf Tournament, supporting the ALS Association of Iowa
• Sponsor of the Johnny and Romie Orr Alzheimer's Golf Classic, supporting the Alzheimer's Association Greater Iowa Chapter
• Sponsor for the Memory Walk '05, supporting the Alzheimer's Association Greater Iowa Chapter
• Sponsor for the 2005 Greater Iowa Alzheimer's Association Education Conference
• Supported the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society by playing in their golf tournament

Information for Funeral Homes

Donation Envelopes

Keeping track of donations can be confusing. To reduce confusion, we have special donation envelopes for the Iowa Hospice Foundation. The envelope highlights the Iowa Hospice "Love in Action" mission, along with our trademarked pink flower.

To receive more donation envelopes, please contact Melissa May at (515) 276-6696 or maym@iowa-hospice.com.