Collaborative Philanthropy

1 + 1 = 3? Philanthropy's new math

George and Cleo Corcoran know a thing or two about philanthropy. They've served on boards, gone to galas, and made significant contributions of their time and treasure for four decades. Over the years, they've honed their approach so it aligns with both their values and their belief that what works best is working together. They had never met Rachel Teigen-Brackett, nor had they heard her story, but when they did their enthusiasm was evident. "It combines health and education. How perfect!"

The Corcorans want to help create healthy communities. "With people, if you don't have good health, your life is limited," George explains. "It's the same with communities — the healthier the community, the better able it is to take care of the people in it." This is why health and education are top priorities for this long-time Group Health family.

"We've been with Group Health for 43 years," says Cleo. "And during that time, everything that can happen, has!" They've experienced every aspect of Group Health's delivery model, and it has been "uniformly outstanding."

When you take outstanding care, a nationally recognized model, and a foundation that prioritizes collaboration over competition, you've got a winning combination, according to the Corcorans. As George puts it, "Caring, updated, and patient-oriented — those things together spell 'good news'."

When Group Health Foundation teams up with parents, health care providers, health departments, school districts, and nonprofits like WithinReach and Seattle Children's for the Childhood Immunization Initiative, that's good news. When the Foundation joined forces with Group Health Research Institute and Harborview to promote bike helmets for kids, that was good news too.

It's good news because it demonstrates the type of philanthropy that the Corcorans like to see — collaborative philanthropy. Collaboration can lead to greater impact. When you have a strong communications network, your efforts can be amplified. Sometimes, "One and one can equal three," as they put it.

With their thoughtful approach and deep commitment to building healthy communities, the Corcorans seem to exemplify this new math. They are two people whose dedication to collaborative philanthropy has had a multiplier effect that will benefit the community for years to come.