Umane is an exempt, non-profit civil society organization dedicated to driving systemic improvements in Brazil’s public health system, with a focus on advancing equity, efficiency and quality for all who live in Brazil.
Our History
Got questions? Here you’ll find quick answers to better understand how we work and support projects.
Does Umane have any relationship with, or receive funds from, Hospital Samaritano?
No. Umane’s operations and governance are entirely independent.
Since the full sale of Hospital Samaritano’s assets in 2016, Umane has had no relationship or direct partnership with the hospital, nor does it receive funds from third parties or any other institution.
How is Umane funded?
Umane and its philanthropic activities are funded exclusively by the annual returns generated by its endowment fund, which was established using the full proceeds from the sale of Hospital Samaritano’s assets.
The fund’s returns ensure the organization’s long-term sustainability, preserve its patrimony, and support its social mission. Umane does not receive external funding.
What are Umane’s social objectives?
Umane is an independent, nonprofit civil association certified by the Ministry of Health. Its social objectives focus on philanthropic initiatives that strengthen the public health system, improve the quality of life of people living in Brazil, and align with its three programmatic areas:
Comprehensive Care for Noncommunicable Chronic Diseases (NCDs) Program:
Initiatives addressing modifiable risk factors (such as smoking, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, and inadequate nutrition), screening, increased access to care and diagnosis, and the management and monitoring of NCDs within Primary Health Care.
Primary Health Care Strengthening (PHC) Program:
Initiatives aimed at operational improvements, work processes, team productivity, service integration, institutional capacity-building in public health, and the adoption of data, new solutions, and emerging technologies — with Primary Health Care as the coordinating axis of the health system.
Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health Program:
Initiatives that monitor pregnancy to assess risks and prevent adverse outcomes, and that support the prevention, management, and monitoring of children’s and adolescents’ health conditions related to NCDs and their modifiable risk factors.
Does Umane request anything in return from supported projects?
No. Umane does not require any form of compensation from supported institutions, except for the agreed-upon deliverables necessary for the execution of the project’s work plan and achievement of expected results.
Support is granted exclusively to projects that meet Umane’s criteria and indicators and that align with its programmatic focus on improving public health.
Does Umane establish partnerships with public administration?
Yes. Umane forms partnerships with public administration through instruments such as Technical Cooperation Agreements without financial transfers.
These partnerships exist solely to pursue the social objectives stated in its Bylaws. Umane does not receive or transfer public funds — 100% of its resources come from its private endowment fund.
How is Umane’s governance structured?
Umane’s governance consists of:
A body of Associates: The institution’s sovereign body, which meets annually in a General Assembly.
A Board of Directors: The organization’s senior deliberative body, composed of members recognized in their respective fields.
An Executive Board: Responsible for day-to-day management and legal representation of the organization.
Technical committees supporting the Board of Directors:
Finance and Investment Committee
Philanthropy Committee
Compliance, Governance, Audit, and Ethics Committee
Nominating Committee
Does Umane compensate associates, board members, directors, or committee members?
No. Umane does not provide remuneration, profit distribution, bonuses, or benefits of any kind — directly or indirectly — to associates, board members, directors, or committee members for the roles and responsibilities established in its Bylaws.
Is Umane affiliated with any political party or ideological orientation?
No. Umane is a nonpartisan institution and does not favor any political orientation.
The principles of independence and nonpartisanship guide its actions, and the organization is prohibited from engaging in political-party or electoral campaigns.