Q&A With Tony Truong
You’ve been at Hoag for six months now. What has surprised you most?
Everywhere I go – whether it’s the grocery store or a gathering of friends – when I tell people I work at Hoag, they’ll say a version of, “That’s a great hospital,” or, “My family member was treated at Hoag ... that’s how health care should be done!” It’s not so much surprising as it’s nice to experience in my daily life.
Many people know Hoag for its exceptional patient care, but fewer realize that rigorous research is also taking place within Hoag’s seven clinical institutes. Experts are collaborating to develop new treatments for cancer and Alzheimer’s and advance the delivery of health care.
What makes Hoag a unique place for donors to direct their philanthropy compared to other institutions?
There are so many unique and exciting things happening at Hoag that are beyond what take place at a typical community hospital. So, donors have amazing options in how you can make a difference – from excellence in care to fellowships, clinical trials, research and innovation, and so much more. As a supporter, you’ll get thoughtful reports from the Foundation on the impacts of your generosity. And we’re fortunate that Hoag's expert clinical leaders are great partners in illuminating us on the opportunities where community support can really move the needle in patient care and medical breakthroughs.
Why is year-end such a critical time for philanthropy?
The holidays are a time when you get together with loved ones, if you’re so fortunate, and it's an opportunity to reflect on the good you want to put into the world. As a result, year-end is typically when charities receive a significant portion of their annual support, and I’m continually inspired by the goodwill that flows from people when they look into their hearts.
What practical steps should donors think about as they plan their year-end giving?
Think about the impact you want to make. Reach out to a Foundation team member if you’d like to explore your options at Hoag. Give yourself time – especially if you want to give something other than cash. Your CPA or advisor can guide you on how giving can impact your taxes and overall picture.
How does philanthropy at Hoag uniquely position donors to make an impact in this environment? What role does philanthropy play in ensuring Hoag remains at the forefront of innovation in health care?
Philanthropy has always propelled excellence and innovation at Hoag. Community support can make the difference between a good hospital and a great one, and I know we all want the very best for our community. Funding for programs like Hoag Innovators and projects like the expansion of the Sun Family Campus drive breakthroughs in care and enable us to serve the community in much more impactful ways.
Can you share an example of how donors can adapt their giving strategies under the new tax law?
For one, you can take a charitable deduction even if you don’t itemize. Starting in 2026, individuals can deduct up to $1,000, and couples up to $2,000, even while you take the standard deduction.
Itemizers can time their giving differently – maybe leveraging a donor-advised fund – to maximize their charitable deduction. Gifts of stocks and property that’s worth more now than when you acquired it can result in multiple tax savings. If you’re 70 ½ or older and own an IRA, the qualified charitable distribution (QCD) is a tax-smart way to give.
What’s one first step someone can take to explore planning their charitable giving?
You can explore different ways to give on the Hoag Hospital Foundation’s Gift Planning website. You can also contact me at tony.truong@hoag.org or 949.764.1986.
Looking ahead, what trends in charitable giving are you most closely watching?
I’m keeping my eye on how people leverage donor-advised funds (DAFs). If you have set one up, whether at the Community Foundation or an institution like Fidelity Charitable, remember that you can name a charity like Hoag Hospital Foundation as the beneficiary upon your passing. And I'm watching how young people, in their 20s through 40s, engage with charities and decide on their impacts.
