About Us

We collaborate with our community partners to enhance the health and wellbeing for the Virginia residents of Washington, Grayson, Russell and Smyth counties by cultivating goal-oriented partnerships.

Prior to 2009, Johnston Memorial Hospital was an independent, community-owned hospital. That year, the JMH Healthcare Foundation chose to enter a joint venture with Mountain States Health Alliance (MSHA), selling that organization 50.1% of the hospital. The proceeds from that transaction were used to build and equip the new hospital facility.

In 2018, MSHA merged with Wellmont Health System to become Ballad Health.

In November 2021, the Johnston Memorial Healthcare Foundation agreed to sell Ballad Health the remaining 49.9% of the hospital. Funds resulting from that sale are now the core endowment of the Wellspring Foundation.

The Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia accepts electronic Grant Applications.

If you are interested in submitting an application, please review our grant guidelines prior to completing the online application:

HOPE Grant Guidelines | Impact Grant Guidelines

You can review the online application tutorial HERE before submitting an application.

The Foundation will consider supporting a variety of projects and initiatives, but we are keen on supporting programs that enhance the health and wellbeing of our populations on a broad scale and preserve and strengthen the fabric of community. Such programs might address: 

• Health
• Children & Families
• Workforce Development
• Education
• Economic Development

The board has a committee in place that will review funding requests in the areas of interest that are most strategically linked to our operating philosophy.

We recognize there are numerous worthwhile causes that can use support. However, the Foundation is most keen on supporting projects, programs or services that not only align with our core philosophies, but also will have lasting and transformative impact on the communities we serve. 

As a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) Foundation, the annual disbursement will vary from year to year. However, generally speaking, our goal is to award up to 5% of our assets annually.

The funds that created Wellspring Foundation came from the sale of Johnston Memorial Hospital, which is based in Washington County, Virginia, our primary service area.

However, many of the providers, staff and patients of the hospital come from neighboring counties and communities that we also support and consider home. Those neighboring communities include Grayson, Russell and Smyth counties.

Yes. Our goal is to provide support to other 501(c)(3) organizations, both financially and through strategic partnerships and other collaborative opportunities. 

However, many of the providers, staff and patients of the hospital come from neighboring counties and communities that we also support and consider home. Those neighboring communities include Grayson, Russell and Smyth counties.

We realize our community members have a great deal of interest in understanding how they can capitalize on these transformational funding opportunities.

If you have a request that aligns with our Vision, Mission and Values and impacts one or more of our areas of interest, please review our grant guidelines prior to completing the online application:

HOPE Grant Guidelines | Impact Grant Guidelines

The Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia accepts electronic Grant Applications.

• You can review the online application tutorial HERE before submitting an application.

The Foundation will have one IMPACT grant cycle per year and two HOPE grant cycles per year. Please review those dates and deadlines in our grant guidelines to ensure your application is submitted by the appropriate deadline.

HOPE Grant Guidelines | Impact Grant Guidelines

Currently, our staff includes an executive director, a director of operations, a director of engagement, a director of finance and an administrative assistant. The Foundation has a robust board of directors that volunteers time and guidance as needed. As the Foundation’s scope of work expands, additional hires may be considered at the appropriate time.