Emergency Fund for Health reaches target of R$40 million with 41 beneficiaries

With the aim of strengthening the public health system, the Emergency Fund for Health – Coronavirus Brazil was the first of its kind to be launched, back in March. Six months later, it has already exceeded the proposed target of raising R$40 million to help combat COVID-19. The initiative, led by IDIS – Institute for the Development of Social Investment , BSocial and Movimento Bem Maior, is now heading towards its closure, with donations being received until October 10th.

The action, which began benefiting philanthropic hospitals in São Paulo, gained momentum and extended to 14 other states and a total of 36 cities, distributing resources to 39 hospitals, a research center and a civil society organization. The numbers refer to the balance sheet closed in August, when 25% of beneficiaries had submitted their accounts. “We acted quickly and achieved an unprecedented union around public health. The resources were allocated according to the needs of each organization and they all went through a validation process, which made a difference in making the best use of the donations received”, explains the CEO of IDIS, Paula Fabiani.

The way the pandemic spread showed the importance of extending resources to states in a more vulnerable situation, such as Pernambuco, Amazonas, Acre, Rio de Janeiro, Ceará, Minas Gerais, among others. In Manaus, where mortality was high, almost R$1 million reais were sent to two hospitals in the city. Twelve Santas Casas from various parts of the country also received resources to combat the new coronavirus. “The success of the Emergency Fund was thanks to well-structured planning, solid governance and a diverse and experienced technical management committee. We knew how to act quickly and activate our networks, attracting the expertise of strategic partners and creating a collaborative work environment, this allowed us to have transparency and gain the credibility that led large investors and civil society to donate with us”, says Carola Matarazzo, director- executive of the Greater Good Movement.

The Fund brought together a total of 10 thousand donors, including companies of different sizes and areas of activity, as well as families engaged in philanthropic actions and civil society in general. So far, 25% of beneficiaries have responded and donations have resulted in 1 million pieces of PPE and more than 10,000 products, including medicines, aprons, gloves, masks and Covid-19 test kits. Donations have also turned into a legacy, with the acquisition of 630 hospital equipment to date, such as beds, ventilators, respirators, monitors and others.

“Participating in the creation and development of the Fund was very rewarding, because we were able to innovate at such a challenging time and create an initiative that made a difference in the lives of many people. All the achievements we have had are the merit of the team and the collaborative work we promote, with everyone dedicating themselves and giving their best. Our platform can act as a bridge between the donor and philanthropic hospitals. Our actions continue with the certainty that, in some way, we truly contribute, highlights Flora Botelho, co-founder of BSocial.

Check out the video produced by the Fund's founders to learn about this story and the numbers achieved so far.