Endowment Membership at South County Health: An Investment in Our Future – And Yours

Since inception, South County Health has benefited from an engaged and supportive community. A large measure of that support comes from the South County Hospital Healthcare System Endowment. Referred to as “members,” the individuals included in the Endowment help SCH fulfill its mission to be Your Most Trusted Health Partner.

South County Health’s Endowment Membership honors and includes individuals who have made a meaningful and lasting commitment to advancing high-quality, community-based healthcare in Southern Rhode Island. Members of this assembly are valued partners who help shape the future of our health system and who believe in the enduring importance of exceptional local healthcare.

What to Know

Endowment Membership terms are four years, with no automatic renewal, as outlined in our bylaws. There is no limit to the number of terms a member can serve.

Each year, new members and returning members will be invited by mail, and those whose terms have expired will also be notified by mail at that time. We welcome and invite members whose terms have expired and who have upheld the responsibilities of Membership to return for another four-year term.

Being a member of the Endowment is an honor and a responsibility. Members are expected to participate actively, represent South County Health positively, and support the organization through volunteerism, advocacy, or philanthropic support.

Interested in Membership?

If you were previously a member or are interested in becoming part of this committed group, we welcome your engagement. Each year, the Governance and Development Committee reviews nominations and recommendations for new and returning members who demonstrate support for our mission in the following ways:

Your continued belief in our mission ensures that South County Health remains Rhode Island’s Most Trusted Health Partner for generations to come.

Endowment Membership Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

There are currently 120 active members and more than 100 candidates for the year 2026. The Endowment Bylaws affirm that Membership should be comprised of anywhere between 100 and 1,000 individuals. We aim to invite more than 100 new members each year, and hope that each one will accept. Of course, some invited members will decline to serve. 

The number of members has varied over time. In some years, a little over 100 members were active, while in other years more than 800 were active. As we grow the Membership base, we aim to have approximately ¼ of our total Membership with terms expiring in a single year. 

Membership requires both invitation and acceptance of the roles and responsibilities, as determined by the Board’s Governance and Development Committee. Those interested in an invitation should ensure they are demonstrating support of SCH’s mission as outlined above. Please contact Membership@southcountyhealth.org to inquire.

 

Often it is current members who are the best source of nominations for future members. If you would like to bring an individual to the attention of the Development and Governance Committee, please email Membership@southcountyhealth.org. When nominating a potential new member, please be sure to include:

•    Full Name
•    Title or career information
•    Contact information, including home address, phone and email
•    Community activities, volunteerism, or professional affiliations
•    Your relationship to the candidate
 

Please email Membership@southcountyhealth.org and a representative will return your call as soon as possible.