Synergos in Brazil

Well-Being, Philanthropy, and Impact at Scale

Since 2022, Synergos Brazil has focused its efforts on catalyzing deep, systemic transformation while strengthening the fields of health and philanthropy across the country. Its work includes large-scale efforts to strengthen Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS), the largest public health system in the world, and advance the country’s philanthropic ecosystem. Over the past decade, this has included educational development initiatives in Pará; implementation of the Luminate Foundation’s Potencia Program, which strengthened more than 50 human rights and democracy organizations across Latin America; and strategic support to philanthropic foundations and social investors, including Fundación FEMSA, Instituto Humanize, and Fundação Bradesco.

Large-Scale Impact: Advancing Well-Being Across Brazil's Unified Health System (SUS)

The hallmark of Synergos Brazil's work is the promotion and strengthening of well-being among healthcare professionals within Brazil's Unified Health System (SUS). Through an unprecedented initiative, Synergos applies the Bridging Leadership framework to equip health managers and frontline professionals, including physicians, nurses, nutritionists, and psychologists, with the skills and practices needed to foster both personal and organizational well-being, ultimately caring for those who care for the nation's health.

The program addresses critical drivers of resilience and human-centered care, including diversity, equity, the prevention of harassment and discrimination, collaboration, self-reflection, and systems thinking. It also helps protect and prepare health workers to respond effectively to the growing unpredictability associated with climate change.

The scale and significance of this initiative are reflected in its reach and strategic partnerships:

• National Reach: In partnership with CONASS (the National Council of State Health Secretaries), the initiative is already driving change across 18 of Brazil's 27 state health departments.
• Excellence and Global Support: The program is delivered in collaboration with FGV Health, part of Fundação Getulio Vargas, one of Brazil's leading institutions for public administration and health policy, and is generously supported by the Johnson & Johnson Foundation.
• Federal Engagement with the Ministry of Health: Synergos is also partnering with the Ministry of Health's Secretariat for Labor Management and Health Education to develop a national leadership program focused on addressing harassment and discrimination in the healthcare workforce.
• A Legacy of Convening and Collaboration: Launched in 2022 during the critical post-pandemic period, Synergos convened more than 30 organizations, including professional associations, public and private hospitals, academic institutions, and municipal, state, and federal government representatives. This collective effort produced two landmark reports that continue to guide and support the health sector in strengthening well-being policies for its workforce.

Transforming Philanthropy and Social Investment

Synergos Brazil also remains a leading force in its long-standing area of expertise: strengthening philanthropy and social investment by helping individuals, families, and corporations maximize their impact.

In Brazil, Synergos supports participation in the Global Philanthropists Circle (GPC), an exclusive international community of approximately 100 philanthropic families, including members from Brazil. Through learning journeys, convenings, and peer exchange, participants explore complex global challenges, share experiences, and inspire one another to become more effective agents of social change.

Following five years of intensive investment in developing young members of Brazil's next generation of philanthropic leaders, the Brazil office now engages emerging leaders through Rising Leaders membership, fostering their growth as values-driven, socially engaged leaders committed to creating meaningful and lasting impact.

Synergos Brazil also plays an active role in Movimento por Cultura de Doação, the Plataforma Conjunta, and other leading forums dedicated to advancing the practice and effectiveness of philanthropy in the country.