Seven years ago, Robert Brunswick and his wife, Kitty, co-founded Hoag Innovators, a group of donors focused on learning and collaborative decision-making. The group hosts a “Shark Tank”-meets-TED-Talk presentation twice a year in which physicians pitch projects and request funding, and donors vote in real time. Today there are more than 200 members who have contributed over $40 million for advances that include pioneering clinical trials, AI-driven cancer detection and a blood test to detect multiple sclerosis in its earliest stages. Brunswick shares his passion for the group.
What makes Hoag Innovators unique?
We wanted to build a community of like-minded learners, donors and supporters of innovation. People get psychic income with their donor gift. It gives them a voice at the table to pick an innovation that can be game-changing
What’s been the biggest surprise?
The engagement of a younger donor; the average donor age for innovators is 10 to 15 years younger than previous donors. This provided a product that has been validated by everyone involved.
Is there a result you’re particularly proud of?
The hospital is using our program to help recruit top doctors from around the country. They know their passions as scientists and innovators can be met with philanthropic alignment. I get satisfaction from these doctors telling us it’s been a game-changer.
