Potomac Health Foundation (PHF) was created in December 2009 through the merger of

Potomac Hospital and Sentara Healthcare. Potomac Hospital utilized proceeds from the merger

to create a health legacy foundation to promote wellness and prevent disease in communities

historically served by Potomac Hospital. Today PHF is a private, independent foundation serving

eastern Prince William County and adjacent communities in Stafford and Fairfax counties.

PHF engaged Impact Catalysts (through its predecessor firm Root Cause) in 2016 to develop a

new strategic plan and action plan for its implementation. During the strategic

planning process, we examined the health needs of vulnerable populations in PHF’s service area,

the role of federal, state, and county government in addressing those needs, and the capacity of

nonprofits in Prince William County. The strategic plan that emerged committed PHF to shift

from reactive grantmaking to a directed grantmaking approach focused on building the capacity

of the local nonprofit sector and health safety net and mental health providers.

 

In 2017, PHF engaged Impact Catalysts to assess the capacity of mental health service systems and

infrastructure in Prince William County. We coordinated a scan of

available resources and gaps in resources to improve the health of the community by (1)

increasing access to health care, (2) strengthening organizational capacity, and (3) supporting

behavioral health services for the medically underserved. Using the findings from the scan, we

worked closely with PHF leadership to determine how the Foundation would focus its directed

grantmaking to make the biggest impact in the Foundation’s three strategic priorities.