AHP 2025 Innovation Award Winner: Inside the Hoag Innovators Program
Jenny Love
Published: 08/21/2025
We would like to congratulate the 2025 Innovation Award Winner, Hoag Hospital.
Each year, AHP member organizations find new and innovative ways to advance their missions and achieve greater impact for the populations they serve. Learn more about their Hoag Innovators program and how they have positioned themselves as a leader in the healthcare philanthropy field.
Origins and Vision: Turning Donor Engagement into Impact
Robert and Kitty Brunswick, longtime Hoag supporters, envisioned a unique philanthropic approach that would appeal to affluent community members not yet engaged with Hoag Hospital.
Kitty describes the vision as both personal and strategic: “We knew there was a large segment of the community with the capacity to give but who hadn’t yet connected with Hoag’s mission.”
Their idea was to create a platform for collective giving, where donors could directly support innovative projects in healthcare while experiencing a return on their “investment” through visible, real-world impact.
With an initial gift from the Brunswick's and their network, the Hoag Innovators program was born. Designed to give major donors an insider’s view of healthcare innovation, the program quickly attracted the interest of other community leaders,
private equity advisors, and corporate executives, many of whom were not previously connected to Hoag. Six years in, the program boasts 139 members, 65 of whom were first-time major gift donors to Hoag, and has funded 24 projects worth more than
$7 million in the process.
How It Works: Shark Tank Meets Philanthropy
The Hoag Innovators program functions much like a venture capital pitch meeting, where clinicians present high-impact projects that need funding. Held twice a year, each meeting includes three to four physician pitches of about six minutes each, followed
by a Q&A session. Donors vote on which projects to fund using a QR code, with immediate results announced at the event. Not every project receives funding, but those that do are championed by donors who feel directly involved in advancing
healthcare innovation.
“You get to hear from true experts, you learn about the latest advancements, and you have a voice in determining where the funds go,” says Rick Taketa, a Hoag board member and advisor to the program. “Some entrepreneurs may not have
had a personal healthcare experience, but they care about innovation, and this has been a way to engage them.”
By structuring the process this way, Hoag Innovators has created a compelling social and educational experience for donors, giving them insight into groundbreaking work they might not otherwise encounter, and allowing Hoag Foundation to tap into a
pool of donors who might not be compelled by traditional giving opportunities.
Building a Community of Engaged Donors
An essential element of the Hoag Innovators program is its focus on community building among donors. The Innovators group serves as a social outlet for members in addition to a source of giving and innovation. Members can bring guests who may be potential
new donors to Innovator events, creating a pipeline of future contributors. The sense of community has proven to be a draw for many members, who appreciate both the social and philanthropic aspects of the program.
“It’s a way to engage a new class of philanthropists that otherwise wouldn’t be engaged,” says Rick Taketa. “Many of these donors are entrepreneurs and investors, so the idea of investing in healthcare technology is compelling
to them.” This dynamic has not only helped grow the Hoag Innovators community but has also increased brand awareness for Hoag as a hub of cutting-edge healthcare.
Success Metrics and Goals for the Future
Since its inception, the Hoag Innovators program has raised $26 million and aims to raise an additional $25 million over the next five years to ensure ongoing support for new projects and endowment growth. With 24 funded projects, 98 total gifts,
and 73 participating households, the program has become an integral part of Hoag’s philanthropic strategy.
Looking ahead, Hoag aims to increase participation, grow the endowment, and continue to brand itself as a destination for healthcare innovation. According to Gwen Ritter, Senior Director of Development, “The program has shown that with the right model, we can inspire sustained
giving and build a community of engaged, passionate donors. It’s a game-changer for healthcare philanthropy.”
Lessons for Healthcare Philanthropy Professionals
For healthcare organizations looking to create their own version of the Hoag Innovators program, there are several key takeaways:
- Establish a Strong Infrastructure: Collaboration across departments is essential. A program of this scale requires buy-in from leadership, development, marketing, finance, and clinical teams to ensure success.
- Invest in Donor Education and Engagement: Donors need to feel connected to the projects they’re funding. Offering an immersive experience where they learn directly from experts and have a hand in funding decisions strengthens engagement
and fosters a sense of community.
- Prepare Clinicians for the Spotlight: Training physicians to present their projects effectively is crucial. This may involve multiple rehearsals, media training, and support with creating visuals and talking points.
- Focus on Long-Term Sustainability: The blended gift model used by Hoag—combining cash gifts with endowment contributions—ensures ongoing funding for new projects and builds a legacy that extends beyond any single donation.
The Hoag Innovators program has created a model that combines education, engagement, and community-building. Hoag has not only raised
millions, but has also positioned itself as a leader in healthcare innovation—a goal that resonates deeply with its donors, clinicians, and the broader community alike.