OUR STORY
UNC Health Foundation began in 1949 as the Medical Foundation of North Carolina, created to support the UNC School of Medicine and, soon after, North Carolina Memorial Hospital. From the beginning, the goal was clear—to channel the generosity of individuals and communities into shaping better healthcare for North Carolinians.
With the establishment of UNC Health in 1998, the Foundation began its evolution into a statewide philanthropic enterprise supporting multiple hospitals, clinics, research programs, and training sites. Today, UNC Health Foundation operates at the intersection of care, research, and education, serving as a bridge between donors and the work across one of the nation’s leading public academic health systems.
What has remained constant throughout our history is our partnership with the people we serve. Philanthropy at UNC is not abstract—it is deeply personal. It reflects the experiences of patients and families, the dedication of clinicians and researchers, and the aspirations of students preparing to lead the future of healthcare. Every gift, large or small, becomes part of a larger story of progress, compassion, and innovation.
As the needs of communities across North Carolina grow and the pace of medical discovery accelerates, the role of philanthropy is more important than ever. UNC Health Foundation exists to help meet that moment, translating generosity into real-world impact for generations to come.
