Welcome to the HIMSS Foundation

Established in 1986, the HIMSS Foundation serves as the philanthropic arm of HIMSS. It provides support and assistance to HIMSS and the industry by:

• Offering financial assistance as scholarships to students in healthcare IT-related fields;
• Providing free access for students, governments, and others to The Dorenfest Institute’s historical hospital data and data reports on IT use;
• Providing student experiences, including policy internships in Washington, D.C., externships, and service learning projects for first-year medical students;
• Hosting industry executives in its Executive in Residence program.
• Offering non-partisan educational seminars for Members of Congress, the Administration and industry leaders through the Institute for e-Health Policy;
• Providing financial relief/assistance for special need-based programs; and
• Hosting the annual National Health IT Week in Washington, D.C.

The Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation organized and operated exclusively for charitable, scientific or educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

Scholarships

The Foundation offers scholarships to students in various areas of healthcare IT studies. Since the early 1990s, more than $150,000 in scholarships to more than 45 exceptional students has been awarded. These scholarships are awarded according to merit, financial need and other factors. Find out more.

Special Projects

The Foundation also supported and directed special projects in the field of healthcare IT, such as the Katrina Phoenix Project and support for the Common Ground Health Clinic in New Orleans, which were established after hurricane Katrina. HIMSS and its members donated supplies, technology, and funds to support this free clinic and placed electronic health records (EHRs) hardware and software in physician practices in the region.

Dorenfest Institute

The Dorenfest Institute provides free historical data, reports, white papers and other tools regarding the use of IT in hospitals and integrated healthcare delivery networks.

Institute for e-Health Policy

In May 2008, the Institute for e-Health Policy was launched to provide research and educational opportunities for public- and private-sector stakeholders—two key constituents who make and are most directly impacted by e-health policy decisions. One major component of the Institute’s programs is leadership of the Capitol Hill Steering Committee on Telehealth and Healthcare Informatics.

How You Can Give

You can help make a difference in the future of healthcare information management by giving to the Foundation. Your tax-deductible contribution can make a difference in our efforts to continue projects like the Katrina Phoenix Project and the HIMSS Scholarship program. To make a donation or receive more information, please call 312-915-9277 or email foundation@himss.org.