When we talk about peace of mind at Premier, we’re usually talking about finances, helping clients build the security and confidence to live the lives they want. But true peace of mind doesn’t stop at your investment portfolio. It extends to the health and wellbeing of you, your family, and your community.

That’s why Premier recently committed $250,000 to Hospice of Humboldt, with a challenge to the community to match it dollar for dollar. This commitment represents nearly 30 years of thoughtful giving that began in 1997, when our founders established a donor-advised fund at  Humboldt Area Foundation, a  fund designed not just to support our community, but to set an example for what other small businesses could do with their own philanthropic efforts.

In a rural community like Humboldt County, access to quality healthcare isn’t something you can take for granted, and this campaign represents our ongoing commitment to what we call healthcare peace of mind.

The Hospice Partnership: Collective Impact in Action

Late last year, Hospice of Humboldt reached out with a significant request: They needed $500,000 to expand their palliative care program. It was more than we could commit on our own, but we also couldn’t say no to the need they were addressing.

What Makes Palliative Care Different

Many people don’t realize that hospice care isn’t just about end-of-life support. In 2022, Hospice of Humboldt launched a palliative care division for people who don’t yet qualify for hospice but who are living with chronic health conditions and need support at home.

When folks can get treatment at home, they’re less likely to end up in the hospital emergency room. That frees up capacity for true emergencies and allows people to maintain dignity and comfort in their own homes. It’s exactly the kind of practical, compassionate healthcare our community needs.

Our Response: A Community Challenge

Premier committed $250,000 from our endowment with a challenge to match it. Half a million dollars, raised together.

The response from clients has been encouraging. Within weeks, we’ve already seen more than $65,000 in matching donations. Many have direct ties with hospice care and have seen firsthand the difference it makes. It’s a type of organization you don’t think about until you need it, but when you need it, you’re grateful it exists.

This connects directly to the work we do with clients. When people achieve financial peace of mind, they naturally start thinking about generosity and legacy. Part of our role is having those conversations and sometimes connecting clients with causes that align with their values. Financial planning and philanthropic planning go hand-in-hand.

Beyond Dollars: A Culture of Philanthropy

Our philanthropy isn’t just about writing checks. It’s about showing up with our time, our expertise, and our commitment to building a stronger community. 

Volunteerism and Leadership

You’ll find Premier team members throughout Humboldt County: Our CEO Teresa Conley, CFP® serves as Board Chair at the Eureka Chamber of Commerce, VP Jeremy Sorci, CFP®, AFIM™ is the current president  of the local Sons and Daughters of Italy Lodge, and our team participates in everything from the Alzheimer’s walk to hospital employee appreciation events. These may seem like small things, but they matter. They’re how we build relationships and show that we’re invested in more than just our own success.

Women for Wellness

Premier president Ginger Weber, CFP® helped to start a women’s donor club in 2019 called Women For Wellness for Providence St. Joseph Hospital and Redwood Memorial Hospital. It began with zero members and a simple idea: What if women in our community each committed $1,000 a year and made decisions together about how it should be spent at these two local hospitals?

In just over five years, we’ve achieved:

  • Nearly 100 members (nearly $100,000 in annual giving power)
  • Over $500,000 donated and spent on local healthcare
  • Regular educational events with cardiologists, cancer surgeons, and specialists
  • A feedback loop that helps recruit physicians to our rural area

While we’re proud of the money we’ve raised, it’s about more than just funds. It’s about creating connection, learning about local healthcare, and spreading the word about the great care happening here.

Supporting Nonprofits

We also support emerging community needs including We Are Up, which is creating a living community for young adults with autism and developmental disabilities. We also manage endowment funds for several local nonprofits. It’s become a niche service area that makes sense. People passionate about philanthropy often work with nonprofits, and by managing their investment assets, we help sustain their missions. We’ve built a culture of generosity at Premier, which strengthens what we all depend on. 

Looking Forward

What started as the Premier foundation fund has grown into Premier Philanthropic. This year feels like a turning point. The hospice campaign has shown us what’s possible when we step up boldly.

If you’re thinking about starting your own philanthropic efforts, here’s our advice:

Identify what resonates. Find something meaningful to you and your team. Not just writing checks, but creating connection.

Build a culture around giving. Talk about it internally. Celebrate impact. Make it part of who you are.

Seek collective impact. Partner with other donors, match contributions, and amplify each other’s efforts.  

Show up. Volunteerism matters as much as financial support.

Get expert guidance. Talk to your financial and legal advisors about the smartest structure for your giving.

If you’re interested in supporting palliative care in Humboldt County or would like to learn more about how we’re working to create healthcare peace of mind in our community, we’d be happy to talk.

At the end of the day, it’s about finding meaning and building the kind of community we all want to live in. One where people take care of each other, where quality healthcare is accessible, where businesses lead with generosity, and where peace of mind extends far beyond finances. 

Contact us to learn more about Premier Philanthropic and discuss how we can help with your own philanthropic planning or nonprofit endowment management.