Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Bravewell Collaborative formed?
In 2002, aware that the health care system in the United States was in crisis, a small group of dedicated philanthropists joined in conversation with leading physicians in the field of integrative medicine to discuss the potential benefits of collaboration. Two key questions were discussed: Could a group of philanthropists working together to fund strategic programs aimed at systems change accomplish more than individual philanthropists working alone? Did the field of integrative medicine hold some of the answers to our healthcare system's problems?
In both cases, the answer to the question was "yes."
Shortly thereafter, The Bravewell Collaborative was established as an operating foundation dedicated to transforming the culture and delivery of healthcare. Now comprised of about 30 members, the Bravewell Collaborative seeks to advance integrative medicine by accelerating change, creating synergy and leverage, and translating emerging knowledge into broad practice.
What does the word Bravewell mean?
Bravewell is not the name of a person, but rather it is the combination of two words—BRAVE and WELL—that express the essence of integrative medicine.
The willingness to step forward and take charge, knowing there will be obstacles and adversity as well as successes and rewards, requires strength of character. It takes commitment to swim against the tide and pursue a dream or goal regardless of the risks or the amount of effort involved. Integrative medicine would not exist today had it not been for the efforts of the many health care leaders who put their reputations on the line and took enormous risks to stand up for their beliefs and change the system. These values—commitment, courage, leadership, and strength—are celebrated by the choice of the word BRAVE.
Wellness is a state of wholeness, balance and health in body, mind and spirit. Integrative medicine strives to help individuals achieve wellness, stay well and recover wellness when it is lost. This is honored by the choice of the word WELL.
Who are the members of the Bravewell Collaborative?
The Bravewell Collaborative Board of Directors and its advisors are listed on the Bravewell Collaborative Web site. Click here to view this page.
What is an Operating Foundation?
An operating foundation is a foundation that uses the bulk of its philanthropic funds to provide charitable services or to run charitable programs of it own determination. It is not a grant making foundation, and operating foundations make few, if any, grants to outside organizations or individuals. To qualify as an operating foundation, the organization must follow specific rules in addition to the applicable rules for private foundations. The Bravewell Collaborative is a private operating foundation.
Does the Bravewell Collaborative accept grant proposals?
The Bravewell Collaborative does not accept proposals for grants.
Who can join Bravewell?
There are many ways to participate in the Bravewell Collaborative and help advance integrative medicine. Philanthropists who apply to the Bravewell Collaborative Committee and are approved by the Bravewell Collaborative Executive Committee can join as Members ($150,000 contribution over three years). Individuals wishing to help can become a Friend of the Bravewell Collaborative by making a contribution of any appropriate amount. Philanthropic Partners provide significant side-by-side funding or pro bono services. Corporate Partners share the Bravewell Collaborative's mission and provide services or funding for joint projects that advance the field.
Which integrative medicine centers belong to the Bravewell Clinical Network?
The Bravewell Clinical Network currently has nine members:
- Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine
La Jolla, California - Alliance Institute for Integrative Medicine
Cincinnati, Ohio - Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine
Baltimore, Maryland - The Continuum Center for Health and Healing
New York, New York - Duke Center for Integrative Medicine at Duke University
Durham, North Carolina - Jefferson-Myrna Brind Center for Integrative Medicine at Thomas Jefferson Medical College
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, California - The Penny George Institute for Health and Healing at Abbott Northwestern Hospital
Minneapolis, Minnesota - Venice Family Clinic
Los Angeles, California
Who can join the Bravewell Clinical Network?
The Bravewell Collaborative provides Clinical Network members with technical assistance in producing effective business plans, marketing strategies, practice management processes, and financial management. The overall goal is to develop successful models for integrative clinics that can be replicated by others to make integrative care more widely available. From time to time, new members are added to the Bravewell Clinical Network. However, the Clinical Network is not accepting new members at this time.
How can I learn more about the Bravewell Clinical Network and operating an integrative medicine clinic?
Best Practices in Integrative Medicine: A Report from the Bravewell Clinical Network, outlines the key
factors for operating a successful integrative medicine clinic. This report can be purchased for $50.00 from the Bravewell Collaborative at 612-377-8400.
How do I nominate someone for the Bravewell Leadership Award?
The Bravewell Collaborative is not accepting nominations for future Leadership Awards. Nominees are selected by the Bravewell Collaborative Board of Directors.