Monica Eisenberg talks about the Brazil Foundation and support for women

Lawyer Monica Vieira Eisenberg is the new Development Director of the Brazil Foundation. The organization, founded in New York 20 years ago, is a pioneer in philanthropy in Brazil, having supported over 655 non-governmental organizations. In this interview, Monica shares her involvement with the foundation and projects supporting women’s entrepreneurship.
The Brasilians: What is the Brazil Foundation?
Monica Eisenberg: It is a binational organization founded 20 years ago by Leona Forman and one of the pioneers in Brazilian philanthropy, bridging the gap between donors and social organizations that promote equality, social justice, and opportunities for youth in Brazil. Its two main objectives are to raise funds and invest in selected social programs. Since 2019, when the new president and CEO, Rebecca Tavares, took over, a new era has strengthened for the Foundation in its third decade of supporting social transformation in Brazil.
TB: How did you get involved with the Brazil Foundation?
ME: I met Leona Forman, the founder of BF, when she had just retired from the UN after a long and successful career working in the third sector. She told me about her plans to found the Brazil Foundation aiming to raise funds here in New York to invest in non-profit organizations in Brazil. The idea was to create a connection with the Brazilian diaspora that, despite living abroad, wanted to contribute to a fairer country, as a kind of ‘give back.’ I immediately volunteered to help in any way I could. And so, with a multiplying effect, we began to involve more and more friends in this still embryonic idea. In the first meeting with the group of volunteers, organized by Leona, we discussed areas of action, public policy, and, of course, how each of us could help. That was the beginning of the long journey.
TB: What was the basic idea for the creation of the Brazil Foundation?
ME: The fundamental goal was to provide conditions for the supported organizations to, after the initial financial support, become capable and self-sustaining. The basic idea was not to give the fish but to teach how to fish. A remarkable moment in this journey was when, in one of the meetings at Leona’s house, she took me to her room and showed me a picture of me breastfeeding my newborn baby, which she kept on the door of her closet. She said to me, ‘Monica, look here at your picture, André, and the first baby of the Brazil Foundation.’ I will never forget that moment. Leona was already thinking long-term and about the future of the next generations. And that’s how it all began, and how I became fully and professionally involved in BF, as Development Director. The circle had closed.
TB: How does the Brazil Foundation select the organizations to be helped and how is this assistance implemented?
ME: There are over eight hundred thousand registered organizations in Brazil. The selection is made through a rigorous criterion. The Foundation supports initiatives that focus on urgent problems, such as deforestation in the Amazon, education, and the development of children and adolescents in vulnerable situations, and more recently, with the pandemic, humanitarian support. In addition, BF has developed a methodology to measure results and the level of social impact through various indicators. Evaluation of results and fiscal responsibility are important factors for transparency.
TB: As the development director of the Brazil Foundation, what are your responsibilities?
ME: Since we are a small team and have to do a bit of everything, the role of the director is not limited to specific functions. My main responsibility is to work on planning, execution, and organization, which includes campaigns for individual or corporate donations for potential partnerships or sponsorship of our events. I report directly to President & CEO Rebecca Tavares and work in collaboration with Vice President Monica de Roure and the Board Directors to leverage resource capitalization and develop strategic partnerships. My area of expertise also includes communication and marketing.
TB: Name some organizations supported by the Brazil Foundation.
ME: The Expedicionários da Saúde, a team of volunteer doctors providing care to indigenous communities in remote areas of the Amazon. Through a Mobile Hospital Complex, they bring specialized medical care to indigenous populations in isolated regions. With the one-year mark of the pandemic, in light of the significant increase in contamination cases and collapse of health services in several states, especially in Manaus, they provided free medical care to indigenous populations in the most remote areas of the region.
Also, the Associação Ballet Paraisópolis, which uses classical and contemporary dance to help children and adolescents achieve better life opportunities. It offers a free training course for 200 students and has over 2,000 on the waiting list. Paraisópolis is the second largest favela in São Paulo and the fifth in Brazil. The support from the Association enabled the expansion of classroom space and an increase in the number of students. In addition to classes, the organization provides physiotherapy services, conducts lectures, and cultural activities.
TB: What events does the Brazil Foundation have to celebrate Women’s Month?
ME: The Foundation is committed to women’s issues, gender equality, women’s entrepreneurship, and leadership in civil society. During the month of March, our CEO, Rebecca Tavares, participated in several webinars, live events, and Club House rooms organized by our Ambassador, actress Flávia Alessandra. We held an event, in partnership with the Brazil American Chamber of Commerce, to address the impact of the pandemic on women’s labor market. On March 27, we will hold our first fundraising event of the year with our ambassador Flávia Alessandra, a kind of TV program, streamed on YouTube, filmed in a studio where we will recognize women leaders in philanthropy, featuring performances by singers Roberta Sá and Malía.
TB: Was there any emotional moment you would like to highlight during your work with the Foundation?
ME: One of the most emotional moments for me was seeing the violinists trained by the organization Orquestra da Grota do Rio de Janeiro playing classical and Brazilian music at one of the Brazil Foundation Galas in New York. I was able to witness, in practice, the result of our work, transforming the lives of many young people and contributing to a fairer Brazil with less inequality. Seeing the fruit of this work was very rewarding, an inspiring moment and a greater reason for this love for the Brazil Foundation.
TB: How can we help the Brazil Foundation?
ME: There are several ways to help. The most effective and practical is to become a recurring donor of BF. There is no small or large donation. Supporters can make a monthly donation by credit card and also receive a 100% tax-deductible benefit as a recurring donor. In addition, you can collaborate by participating in our events, supporting our initiatives, and inviting others to be part of the Brazil Foundation.
To help, you can access the link and be a seed of change: www.brazilfoundation.org/pt-br/#
ILANA LIPSZTEIN
Journalist & Entrepreneur
ilevents2@aol.com
Instagram: @ilana_wip