THE health is one of the pillars of individual well-being and collective development. It goes far beyond the absence of disease: it involves quality of life, access to essential services and policies that guarantee prevention and ongoing care. Therefore, Federal Constitution of 1988 recognizes health as a right of all and duty of the State, reinforcing public responsibility in ensuring a universal and egalitarian system.
But in practice, the challenges are many. Inequality in access, budgetary constraints, poor infrastructure in remote regions and health emergencies that put even more pressure on the system show that the public sector alone cannot cope.
It is in this scenario that the philanthropy enters as a strategic ally, joining forces to expand access, support institutions and finance innovative solutions. Whether through support for hospitals, research, emergency actions or civil society organizations, philanthropy strengthens the ecosystem of health and takes care of those who need it most.
The impact of philanthropy on health in Brazil
To give you an idea, more than 1,000 Brazilian municipalities are served exclusively by philanthropic hospitals, according to the Secretariat of Specialized Health Care (Saes). Today, Brazil has more than 3.3 thousand non-profit health establishments, of which 1.6 thousand are covered by the SUS – and 115 of them are 100% dedicated to the public system.
From January 2023 to May 2024, these charitable units carried out more than 7.8 million hospital admissions and 516 million outpatient visits. Numbers showing the weight of the philanthropy in ensuring access to health.
So that the philanthropy fulfill its role and generate even more impact, it is essential to have well-structured donation and management mechanisms. In other words: it is not enough to donate. It is necessary to guarantee effectiveness, transparency and continuity, creating governance models that inspire trust and attract even more supporters.
The role of Philanthropic Funds
This is where the Philanthropic Funds – instruments created to channel donations in a way organized, strategic and efficient. They can be formed by one or more donors, individuals or legal entities, national or international, and function as a bridge between the donated capital and the causes that need it.
From 2020 onwards, with the pandemic, the Funds gained even more relevance. These mechanisms have shown that it is possible to articulate civil society, companies and public authorities around common and urgent causes. Furthermore, as they are philanthropic resources, they offer more flexibility to invest in innovation, testing new approaches and solutions that the public sector is not always able to make viable – such as advanced therapies, digital technologies and mental health care.
An example in practice: Vertentes Philanthropic Fund
The Vertentes Philanthropic Fund is a good example of how this strategy can transform realities. Created to strengthen mental health care in Brazil, the fund supports actions that promote emotional well-being with a focus on contexts of social vulnerability. Among its fronts of action are: knowledge production, O advocacy for more effective public policies and the mobilization of sustainable resources.
With transparent management carried out by Sitawi, the fund offers security and efficiency in the application of resources, generating more confidence for its supporters. Free donations, linked donations, sponsorships and strategic partnerships — including international ones — allow more people to join this urgent and transformative cause.
Vertentes is an example of how philanthropy structured, can catalyze systemic and lasting changes in health.
Management of Philanthropic Funds
Since 2012, the Sitawi Finanças do Bem has already structured and managed more than 120 philanthropic funds, totaling more than R$ 460 million mobilized for causes such as health, education and responding to social and environmental emergencies.
With a high efficiency model and compliance, the Sitawi takes care of all financial management: governance, disbursements, accountability, periodic reporting and, when needed, strategic support. This allows funders and donors to focus on what really matters: generate positive impact.
Furthermore, the Funds allow flexibility in the application of resources, which can be allocated to civil society organizations, individuals, research, awards, provision of services and much more.
Do you want to open a Philanthropic Fund and generate a positive impact? Talk to us and start right now!
