Twenty-one nonprofits will receive support to help those in need

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ROCHESTER, Minn. ― Mayo Clinic cares for its patients, communities and each other, and Mayo’s Bold. Forward. strategy supports this care through work to Cure, Connect, and Transform healthcare for all. As this strategy successfully unfolds, this year Mayo Clinic is able to invest an additional $22 million in community organizations addressing pressing needs related to housing, food insecurity, access to healthcare, and safe places for learning and youth enrichment.

Mayo Clinic's $22 million commitment will be distributed to organizations serving Rochester, Jacksonville, Phoenix and various Mayo Clinic Health System locations. This one-time investment also complements the financial support Mayo already provides to community organizations and the extensive work Mayo Clinic staff do within their communities. 

"These organizations are working every day to make our communities stronger by addressing the most pressing needs," says Gianrico Farrugia, M.D., president and CEO, Mayo Clinic. "As communities are strengthened, lives are transformed." 

The organizations were chosen based on community need, how their work aligns with Mayo Clinic’s mission and Mayo's history of collaboration with each entity. All these organizations contribute to the health and vibrancy of the communities where Mayo staff live, work, care for patients and raise families. 

"To improve lives, we must recognize the dynamics and needs that people experience each day," says Christina Zorn, chief administrative officer, Mayo Clinic. "As we allocated our investment, we sought out collaborators that understand the communities we serve because they’re a part of them. We believe that’s the most effective way to reach the most people." 

Rochester

Mayo Clinic is contributing $14.25 million in Rochester to promote excellence in public schools and address housing challenges in the community. Rochester Public Schools will receive $10 million to bolster the public school system, helping children receive an education that prepares them for future success. 

The Coalition for Rochester Area Housing, an innovative public-private partnership that Mayo helped establish, will receive $4 million to address affordable housing needs in Olmsted County.

Mayo is also investing in organizations that serve vulnerable populations, including people experiencing homelessness. Mayo will match donations to the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign in Rochester up to $100,000 on Dec. 22 and 23 and will contribute to The Landing MN, a day shelter serving people without homes in Rochester.

Jacksonville

Mayo Clinic is contributing $5 million in Jacksonville to the I.M. Sulzbacher Center. This agency provides comprehensive services to men, women and children experiencing homelessness and offers healthcare to anyone in the community in need through its federally qualified health centers. As a result of this investment, Mayo Clinic will be the designated healthcare partner for a new healthcare center that is part of the Sulzbacher Enterprise Village expansion project. This multi-building phased initiative will help address housing, healthcare, job training and education needs in a multifaceted approach to community transformation.

Phoenix/Scottsdale

Mayo Clinic is contributing $2 million to support nonprofit community organizations in Arizona that work to meet the needs of men, women and children experiencing homelessness and those living in underserved vulnerable communities. The funds will be directed to Circle the City, Adelante Healthcare and The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Phoenix – among other organizations. Services provided by these organizations include healthcare, respite care for unhoused patients facing a serious medical illness, dental care, behavioral healthcare, housing navigation, temporary shelter, food and clothing. 

Mayo Clinic Health System

Mayo Clinic will invest $900,000 in organizations helping people in Minnesota and Wisconsin communities served by Mayo Clinic Health System, including: 

In Southeast Minnesota, funds will support the Mower County Hometown Food Security Project, the Freeborn County Backpack Program and emergency funding for transitional housing in Steele County. 

In Southwest Minnesota, contributions are earmarked for the ECHO Food Shelf, Minnesota State University Maverick Food Pantry and the St. Peter Community Free Clinic, all serving the Mankato area. 

Northwest Wisconsin communities will receive support for the Haven House Day Resource Center in Eau Claire, Hope Village in Chippewa Falls and the Boys & Girls Club of Barron County in Rice Lake. 

Southwest Wisconsin funding includes the Boys & Girls Club of Greater La Crosse in Onalaska, the Hunger Task Force and homelessness program support in La Crosse. 

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Media contact: 

• Kristy Jacobson, Mayo Clinic Communications, newsbureau@mayo.edu

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