Common Questions About UNTH Foundation
Find answers to common questions about our foundation, programs, and how you can get involved.
What is the UNTH Foundation?
The UNTH Foundation is an independent, non-profit, and apolitical organization established in Nigeria in December 2021 and incorporated in 2023 as a 501(c)(3) charity in the United States. It supports the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital through fundraising, research, policy engagement, training, and promoting healthcare entrepreneurship.
Who leads the UNTH Foundation?
The Foundation is led by a 14-member Board of Trustees chaired by His Excellency Sullivan I. Chime CON, former Governor of Enugu State. Daily operations are managed byCEO Prof. Theresa Nwagha and her dedicated team.
What is the vision of the UNTH Foundation?
Our vision is to be a role model for facilitating quality, cost-effective, and available healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
What is the mission of the Foundation?
Yes. We are registered in Nigeria and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) charity organization in the United States, meaning donations are tax-deductible.
Is UNTH Foundation a legitimate charity?
Our mission is to be Nigeria’s preferred partner for healthcare delivery, research, and entrepreneurship.
What are the Foundation's core values?
Our core values are:
– Pacesetting
– Accountability
– Result-Oriented
– Innovation
– Excellence
How does the Foundation ensure transparency and accountability?
Independent Fund managers will manage our funds and We provide regular donor updates, detailed reports, and publicly acknowledge contributions through various platforms.
What is the "Aku Ruo Uno" Endowment Fund?
The “Aku Ruo Uno” Endowment Fund is a pool of financial assets designed to provide sustainable funding for healthcare services and research at UNTH and across the South East. 70% of the principal amount is preserved, while 30% and investment returns are used to continuously support foundation-designated programs.
What is the Indigent Patient Fund?
The Indigent Patient Fund aims to support patients at UNTH who cannot afford their hospital bills. Over 40% of patients at UNTH are indigent, which delays their discharge and
blocks bed availability. Your support helps them receive life-saving treatment and improves overall healthcare
delivery.
How does the Ward Adoption Program work?
Organizations and individuals can adopt hospital wards at UNTH to improve patient care environments through infrastructure upgrades, equipment provision, and ongoing maintenance support. Adopters receive recognition and regular impact reports.
What is Health for Hope?
Health for Hope provides one year of NHIA health insurance coverage, direct
funding for life-saving treatments, and ongoing support for vulnerable patients battling chronic illnesses.
How can I donate to the UNTH Foundation?
You can donate through online donations, bank transfers,
checks, or in-kind contributions. Visit our How to Donate page for detailed information on each method.
Are my donations tax-deductible?
Yes. As a 501(c)(3) organization registered in the United States, donations from US taxpayers are tax-deductible. Please consult with your tax advisor regarding international donations.
Can I designate my donation to a specific program?
Yes. You can designate your donation to the Indigent Patient Fund, Endowment Fund, specific programs, or let us direct it where the need is greatest.
Does the Foundation accept medical equipment donations?
Yes. We facilitate and coordinate medical equipment donations to UNTH. Please contact us to verify current needs and equipment specifications.
How can my company partner with UNTH Foundation?
We offer various corporate partnership opportunities including ward adoption, program sponsorship, equipment donation, and event sponsorship. Contact us to explore options.
How can I get involved with the UNTH Foundation?
There are many ways to get involved including volunteering, donating, partnering with us, spreading awareness about our cause, or attending our events. Visit our Become a Volunteer and How to Donate pages to learn more.
How will the "Aku Ruo Uno" Endowment Funds be managed and invested?
We offer various corporate partnership opportunities including ward adoption, program sponsorship, equipment donation, and event sponsorship. Contact us to explore options.
How can I stay updated on Foundation activities?
We offer various corporate partnership opportunities including ward adoption, program sponsorship, equipment donation, and event sponsorship. Contact us to explore options.
How can indigent patients access Foundation support?
Indigent patients receiving care at UNTH can request assistance through the hospital’s Medical Social Service Department, which will connect them with the UNTH Foundation for evaluation and support.
Does the Foundation provide direct medical care?
No. The Foundation supports patients financially and through resource provision, but medical care is provided by UNTH healthcare professionals.
Can I specify how my donation is used within the endowment fund?
The Foundation can assist with hospital bills, medication costs, surgical procedures, diagnostic tests, and other essential medical expenses for indigent patients.
What is the "Aku Ruo Uno" Endowment Fund?
The UNTH Foundation “Aku Ruo Uno” Endowment Fund is a pool of financial assets designed to provide funds for facilitating access to cost-effective, quality, available, and accessible healthcare services and research in UNTH and across the South East. 70% of the principal amount of the endowment is preserved, and only a portion (30%) and investment returns per annum (from the preserved funds) will be used to continuously support the foundation-designated programs.
How does the "Aku Ruo Uno" Endowment Fund work?
When you contribute to the endowment fund, 70% of your donation is invested to generate income. This income is then used to support the foundation’s activities or designated programs. The goal is to maintain the principal amount of the endowment fund and ensure its long-term growth, allowing for sustainable support over time.
Why should I donate to the "Aku Ruo Uno" Endowment Fund?
Donating to the endowment fund allows you to make a lasting impact. Unlike a one-time donation, the endowment fund generates income in perpetuity, providing ongoing support to UNTH and public healthcare in the South and across Nigeria. Your donation becomes a sustainable source of funding that can help the foundation achieve its long-term goals.
Can I specify how my donation is used within the endowment fund?
In most cases, you can specify how you want your donation to be used within the endowment fund. This could include supporting a specific program or initiative, creating a named program or initiative fund, or contributing to the general endowment for overall public healthcare support. It’s important to discuss your preferences with the foundation to ensure your wishes are honoured.
Do you need volunteers?
Yes! We need volunteers for community outreach events, administrative support, fundraising, communications, and professional services. Visit our Become a Volunteer page to learn more and apply.
How can I stay updated on Foundation activities?
Subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on social
media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn), or visit our News & Stories page regularly.
What is the purpose of the indigent patients fundraising initiative?
This initiative aims to raise funds to support indigent patients at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) who are unable to pay their hospital bills or access necessary medical care. Your support helps them receive life-saving treatment and contributes to the overall sustainability of healthcare delivery.
Why is supporting indigent patients important?
Over 40% of patients at UNTH are indigent and unable to pay for care. This delays their discharge, blocks bed availability, and affects the quality and accessibility of healthcare services for others — even those who can afford to pay.
What happens when indigent patients can't pay their bills?
Many indigent patients remain in the hospital even after recovery because they can’t settle their bills. This limits bedspace, increases congestion, and sometimes results in other critically ill patients being turned away due to lack of space.
How will my donation be used?
Every donation goes directly toward offsetting hospital bills for indigent patients and ensuring they receive essential medical care. Funds are transparently managed to maximize impact and reach those in most need.
Is this initiative transparent and accountable?
Yes. The initiative conducts thorough vetting and the process is highly objective and transparent. Regular updates and impact reports are shared, and every naira donated is used to support patient care.
Can I donate as an individual or as part of a group or organization?
Absolutely. Individuals, groups, corporate bodies, NGOs, and alumni associations are all welcome to contribute to this cause. Every act of generosity counts, no matter how big or small.
Is there a way to track how the funds are used?
Yes. Donors will be periodically updated through reports and newsletters that highlight how funds were used and the number of patients supported.
Are there other ways I can support this initiative apart from donating?
Yes! You can support by:
– Spreading the word on social media.
– Organizing fundraising drives.
– Partnering with us as a volunteer or ambassador.
– Connecting us with other potential sponsors or partners.
Is this initiative a one-time campaign or ongoing?
This is an ongoing initiative. The need for supporting indigent patients is continuous, and sustained contributions help us make a lasting impact on healthcare access at UNTH.
How can I make a donation?
You can donate by clicking on the Donate Now button on our website or via our secure payment platforms. Every donation brings hope to a patient in need.
How can my organization partner with UNTH Foundation?
We welcome partnerships with organizations, corporations, NGOs, and government agencies. Contact us at info@unthfoundation.org to discuss collaboration opportunities.
Do you collaborate with other healthcare foundations?
Yes. We actively seek partnerships with organizations sharing our vision. Recent collaborations include Ogemeks Charity Foundation, Cope and Live Foundation, and Henemez Diabetic Foundation.
Still have questions? Contact us for more information.