Potomac Health Foundation launches Inaugural Grant Cycle

• Editor's Note: Information was submitted by Stephen V. Batsche of the Potomac Health Foundation it appears below in its unedited form. 

On April 7, Potomac Health Foundation will launch its first ever round of financial grants to regionally-based nonprofit organizations. The foundation expects to award more than $3 million in grants to improve the health of communities in eastern Prince William County and in southeast Fairfax and north Stafford Counties. At the April 7 launch event, agencies can learn more about the Foundation’s funding priorities and application process. Grants will be awarded through a competitive application process.

For Bill Moss, Chief Executive Officer of Potomac Hospital for thirty-three years, the milestone is special. “Potomac Health Foundation will carry-on the legacy of compassionate care that Potomac Hospital associates provided for decades," said Moss in a press release. "The new foundation will serve the region for generations to come.”

Potomac Health Foundation recently hired three professional staff to manage the daily operations of the Foundation. Stephen Batsche was hired as Interim Executive Director. He was formerly president of Rappahannock United Way, of Fredericksburg, Virginia. Sheri Gonzalez Warren was hired as Director of Grant Programs. She was formerly Country Director Mozambique with Samaritan’s Purse. Phim Gilberry was hired as Administrative Assistant. She was formerly Special Events Coordinator at .

Collectively Batsche and Warren have 21 years of grantmaking and grants management experience.

Potomac Health Foundation is the newest private health foundation in Virginia, created as a result of the December 2009 merger between Sentara Healthcare Corporation and Potomac Hospital. The foundation’s long-term goals are to increase access to primary health, reduce the incidence of preventable diseases and address emerging health needs.

The Foundation is governed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors comprised of civic leaders from the local area.