About The Frist Foundation
The Frist Foundation carries the legacy of Dr. Thomas F. Frist Jr., whose goal has always been to make people’s lives “just a little bit better.” We do that by investing in promising organizations with high ambitions of improving communities across Nashville. Founded in 1982 by the HCA Healthcare, the Foundation later became independent and subsequently changed its name to The Frist Foundation to honor the philanthropic influence of founding directors Dr. Thomas F. Frist Jr. and Dr. Thomas F. Frist Sr.
Coming Together for Nashville
Everything we do at The Frist Foundation serves our goal of building a better Nashville. That means investing in agencies that serve communities facing challenges like homelessness, food insecurity and access to child care, and in organizations doing collaborative community work.
Our specific focus lies in grants that strengthen the capacity of organizations and increases the number of people we can reach.
The beating heart of our work is serving a guiding role in Nashville to lead others to invest in our community. We’ve done this by advising nonprofits on topics such as community engagement, development, hiring and expansion planning, guiding CEOs in forming their own philanthropic strategies and initiating the creation of the Tocqueville Society, which became a fundraising model for United Way chapters around the world.
Legacy
Dr. Thomas F. Frist Jr. was born in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1938. His passion for improving the lives of others was instilled in him by his father, Dr. Thomas F. Frist Sr., one of Nashville’s most prominent internal medicine specialists. Dr. Frist Sr. taught his children from a young age the importance of giving back to the community.
Dr. Frist Jr. married his wife Patricia “Trish” Champion in 1968, and together they became nationally recognized civic leaders and philanthropists. In 1982, father and son founded the Hospital Corporation of America.
The Frist Foundation carries on the Frist family’s legacy and supports the institutions, agencies and programs that make lives better in Middle Tennessee.