The Foundation Council was organized in 1990 "to promote, receive, hold and invest contributions, gifts, bequests of any type of property..." The Council holds many restricted gifts for programs and departments of the medical center, i.e. Hospice, Intensive Care, Saint Francis College of Nursing, Children's Hospital of Illinois, Oncology, and the Stroke Network, to name a few.

The Foundation Council is governed by a community advisory board dedicated to overseeing the finances of the Foundation and investing its holdings wisely. Meeting six times annually, the council provides estate planning through its professional advisory committee and plans year-round fundraising activities.

Mission Statement
To ensure continued healthcare excellence and to carry on the Mission of The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, the OSF Saint Francis Foundation Council was organized in October 1990. The Foundation Council's philosophy is reflected in its mission statement: Recognizing the dignity and respect of all people, regardless of race, color, religion and ability to pay, the Foundation Council seeks to provide the resources to further the benevolent, charitable, scientific, program and educational activities of the medical center.