Gifts of grain Hospital foundation program uses farmers' crops to help provide medical services

With the holiday season right around the corner, growers across the Palouse have an opportunity to make a life-changing gift.

“Pullman Regional Hospital’s Gifts of Grain program is a great way for landlords and farmers to give back,” explained Wayne Druffel, farmer and president of the board of directors for the Pullman Regional Hospital Foundation. “Your gifts can be used to create better pathways for patients, their caretakers, and our healthcare teams.”

The Pullman Regional Hospital Foundation was established in 1945 to support the hospital by increasing awareness of the hospital’s services, needs, and facilitating philanthropic efforts to advance health care in the community. Linda Infranco, executive director of the Foundation, said the Gifts of Grain program is a unique and meaningful way to support the hospital and create value for the community. A gift of grain or other commodity also has a tax advantage because it can lower a grower’s income.

“The more farmers and people in the industry who take advantage of this program, the bigger benefit it will have on quality healthcare in our community,” she said. “We want to make people aware that this is an opportunity that exists that might not impact their pocketbook directly. It’s another generous way of supporting Pullman Regional.” 

To donate to the program, growers need to contact their local elevator or co-op and transfer grain to the Foundation’s account. Infranco said most of the elevators and co-ops in the region have a Foundation account already set up. Growers can then contact the Foundation and designate where they want the proceeds from the grain to go. Typically, the funds are applied to the hospital’s highest need or annual priorities, which include the regional high school athletic training program, the family medicine residency program, and the Patient Care Expansion plan. 

“It’s time to grow, and the Patient Care Expansion is focused on improving the patient experience and creating more access around quality healthcare,” she said. 

Once the grain or commodity has been transferred to the Foundation’s account, it is sold, usually that same day. The farmer is credited with that day’s median commodity price, and a check, minus processing fees, is sent to the Foundation. 

The Gifts of Grain program was established in 2014 and has raised more than $90,000 (more than 24,000 bushels have been donated).

More information about the Gifts of Grain program is at the Foundation’s website, pullmanregional.org/how-to-help/foundation/foundation-programs-to-support/foundation-gifts-of-grain.