Valley Baptist Health System

Our History

Valley Baptist Medical Foundation was formed in 1976 with a mission to raise funds to support the infrastructure of the Valley Baptist Health System.  For more than 30 years, the Foundation successfully raised millions of dollars through events, capital campaigns, grant writing and planned giving programs that enhanced the infrastructure of our hospitals and educational offerings for employees and the community as a whole.  On September 1, 2011, Valley Baptist Health System and Vanguard Health Systems entered into a joint venture.  As a result of this transaction, our Foundation received proceeds that will change our focus.  We will no longer be able to use donations to benefit Valley Baptist hospitals, but instead we will identify and address healthcare related needs of our community.

To better communicate our new mission, we are changing our name to The Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation (dba The Legacy Foundation).  The Foundation will continue in the tradition of excellence set forth by the two Valley Baptist hospitals, both of which opened in the 1920s and have a long and deep tradition of supporting the health needs of residents in the lower Rio Grande Valley.  As a faith-based, regional health system, Valley Baptist has always provided high quality healthcare and medical education throughout South Texas, guided by the healing and teaching ministry of Jesus Christ. 

 The Foundation looks forward to continuing this inspiring LEGACY in new and meaningful ways through a program of strategic philanthropy designed to positively impact the health of our community.  We look forward to working with the many great organizations in our area that already focus on the healthcare needs of our residents, as well as collaborating with new and existing organizations to create sustainable change in healthcare areas most needed in the Valley.

 We are now in the process of studying the best ways to organize and create an effective program of philanthropy.  Check back with us often to learn more about our plans and timeline.  We will begin to host community forums in 2012, and anticipate our first grant cycle will open in the summer of 2012.