Partnership Application
WHY PARTNER WITH US?
We are not a granting organization that supports groups on a trip-by-trip basis. We are a 501c3 nonprofit entity that specializes in medical mission trip operations and administration so that together we can bring life-changing spine surgery, training and technology to under-resourced communities around the world.
Instead of grants, we primarily form medical mission partnerships that run on an ongoing basis. Our full-time staff specializes in medical mission trip operations and provides a point of continuity for our partners that allows for more efficient use of resources; to ultimately increase patient impact and the quality of care that we can provide in a mission setting.
We look for partners who can provide experienced clinical direction and are in need of an operational partner to help develop the mission trip into a sustainable spine program.
The clinical partner (surgeon/medical facility/medical nonprofit) is responsible for patient care and medical decision making, while NSF leads logistics and mission administration, as needed.
We understand that not all groups may need or want full hands-on support from us throughout. We tailor our support based on the needs of each group and mission program site.
NSF Provides:
- Medical mission trip operational planning and logistics/administrative support
- On-the-ground execution of medical mission trips
- Funding (i.e. patient care, OR supplies, transportation, volunteer travel scholarships)
- Spinal hardware, technology and clinical services (neuromonitoring and product support)
- Passionate medical and non-medical volunteers
Medical Mission Partner Provides:
We look for partners who can provide clinical direction and are in need of an operational partner to help develop the mission trip into a sustainable spine program.
- Patient care and surgical planning
- Relationship with in-country surgeon/facility
- OR safety and protocols
If you are interested in becoming a program partner, please email nsf@nuvasive.com
I knew something was seriously wrong with my back, but couldn’t afford the MRI to diagnose me. I can’t begin to thank the team who gave me back the ability to work and play ball with my 5-year-old son.
— Jorge, Honduras
Surgery provided by the NSF Medical Mission Program
Mission Partnership FAQ’s
No. As a private operating foundation, NSF is legally bound to be directly involved in its charitable activities (the NSF medical mission program) and does not give grants or other charitable contributions.
NSF provides tailored operational support and resources in partnership with each program partner in order to provide comprehensive care to patients around the world. Our volunteer teams provide direct patient care to hundreds of adults and children each year, while working towards the long-term goal of developing sustainable spine treatment and care at each location.
Program partnerships DO NOT equal grants. NSF is directly invested in all aspects of operating its medical mission program and in every dollar spent helping patients around the world. Donations to NSF fund the NSF medical mission program.
NSF is a separate nonprofit entity from NuVasive, Inc. and Globus Medical. Globus Medical acquired NuVasive Inc. in 2023. Globus Medical generously donates both Globus and NuVasive product lines, and clinical services to support NSF’s Medical Mission Program. Partnership decisions are made by the foundation board of directors.
Program partners are explored and considered for approval 6-12 months prior to the first mission trip to a new location. Potential program partners are evaluated using a matrix of factors, including, but not limited to: patient impact, partner experience, clinical credentials, long-term growth potential, cost (monetary and hardware), timing, customs/shipping logistics and legal/compliance/regulatory.
Partnership applications are reviewed by NSF’s Board of Directors on a bi-annual basis. Please do not apply if you are looking for a one-time grant. NSF is looking for program partners who can provide strong clinical direction and are in need of an operational partner to help develop the mission trip into a sustainable spine program.