Grant records of the Office of Development
Collection
Identifier: CPP 11/002-01
Scope and Contents
Grant records from the Office of Development include correspondence; financial information; background information regarding funders and submission requirements; draft proposals; and other grant information. Grants are generally for the Library and Wood Institute (WI), the Museum, Museum Education, or Philly Health Info (PHI)/Community Health Information Center (CHIC). Some files identify specific exhibitions or programs in the title.
Files range from 1978 to 2013, but primarily date from the 1980s-2007. Records included here are not records of current or recent funders.
The collection is arranged in two series: Foundations and Corporations, and Government. Records within each series are organized alphabetically by funder, followed by project/funding area. Some files were combined for ease of access.
Files range from 1978 to 2013, but primarily date from the 1980s-2007. Records included here are not records of current or recent funders.
The collection is arranged in two series: Foundations and Corporations, and Government. Records within each series are organized alphabetically by funder, followed by project/funding area. Some files were combined for ease of access.
Dates
- 1978-2007
Creator
- College of Physicians of Philadelphia. Office of Advancement (Organization)
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is open for research.
Conditions Governing Use
Some restrictions may apply. Contact the library for more information.
Biographical / Historical
The Council of the College of Physicians authorized a permanent development operation in the summer of 1986. In past decades, the College conducted a series of fundraising projects primarily undertaken by volunteer leaders among the Fellowship. Although these efforts had been reasonably successful, the needs of the College were now such that a sustained program, staffed by a development professional, was in order. A. Jerry Condon was recruited to serve as the Director of Development for the College and began work on October 1, 1987.
To strengthen the College's public profile, promote greater public awareness of its programs, and improve internal communications with the Fellowship, a full-time position, the Director of Communications, was authorized in May 1987. Catherine Foedisch was hired as the new director in June and began her appointment on July 6, 1987. In conjunction with the addition of a Director of Communications, organizational responsibility for public relations, special events, and membership activities were assigned to the Development Office. These closely related functions were thus viewed as elements of an institutional advancement program for the College. This new organizational structure was officially adopted as of July 1, 1987. In 1993, the functions of Development and Communications were split into their own departments, no longer reporting to a Director of Institutional Advancement. In 1995, the College no longer had a Director of Communications. A Director of Public Affairs was hired; it is unclear what responsibilities that position held. However, a year later, the Executive Office took over the programs and lectures planning and added “Director of Programs” to a current employee’s titles. While some organizational changes were made over the next 20 years, the responsibilities of the Department of Communications and the Development Office remained similar to those when the offices were first created, regardless of the changing job titles. The Communications Department functions and Development Department functions were combined into the Office of Advancement in 2015.
In early 2023, the name of the Office of Advancement was changed to Development. At that time, Communications staff reported to the Executive Director of the Mütter Museum and Historical Medical Library. In early 2025, the Communications function became part of Operations, reporting up to the Chief Operating Officer (COO). The Office of Development, under the direction of the Vice President for Development, is responsible for a comprehensive development program to secure philanthropic support for the College, including grants, membership, and special events. The Communications Department is responsible for the planning and oversight of all marketing and communications-related functions within the College, including managing media contacts and inquiries, marketing and public relations, art direction, social media, and digital communications.
To strengthen the College's public profile, promote greater public awareness of its programs, and improve internal communications with the Fellowship, a full-time position, the Director of Communications, was authorized in May 1987. Catherine Foedisch was hired as the new director in June and began her appointment on July 6, 1987. In conjunction with the addition of a Director of Communications, organizational responsibility for public relations, special events, and membership activities were assigned to the Development Office. These closely related functions were thus viewed as elements of an institutional advancement program for the College. This new organizational structure was officially adopted as of July 1, 1987. In 1993, the functions of Development and Communications were split into their own departments, no longer reporting to a Director of Institutional Advancement. In 1995, the College no longer had a Director of Communications. A Director of Public Affairs was hired; it is unclear what responsibilities that position held. However, a year later, the Executive Office took over the programs and lectures planning and added “Director of Programs” to a current employee’s titles. While some organizational changes were made over the next 20 years, the responsibilities of the Department of Communications and the Development Office remained similar to those when the offices were first created, regardless of the changing job titles. The Communications Department functions and Development Department functions were combined into the Office of Advancement in 2015.
In early 2023, the name of the Office of Advancement was changed to Development. At that time, Communications staff reported to the Executive Director of the Mütter Museum and Historical Medical Library. In early 2025, the Communications function became part of Operations, reporting up to the Chief Operating Officer (COO). The Office of Development, under the direction of the Vice President for Development, is responsible for a comprehensive development program to secure philanthropic support for the College, including grants, membership, and special events. The Communications Department is responsible for the planning and oversight of all marketing and communications-related functions within the College, including managing media contacts and inquiries, marketing and public relations, art direction, social media, and digital communications.
Extent
3.33 Linear feet (8 document boxes)
Language of Materials
English
Separated Materials
A file for Blast Books containing a publishing agreement was removed from the collection. It can be found in CPP 16/001-02, Records of the Office of Finance and Accounting II. Also removed were extra copies of grant proposal materials.
Processing Information
This collection was minimally processed in 2025. To expedite processing, original folders have mostly been retained. Therefore, folder titles do not always match title entries in the finding aid.
Creator
- College of Physicians of Philadelphia. Office of Advancement (Organization)
- Author
- Rayna Andrews
- Date
- 2025 December 12
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Historical Medical Library of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia Repository
Contact:
19 S. 22nd Street
Philadelphia PA 19103 United States
19 S. 22nd Street
Philadelphia PA 19103 United States
