Boulder is proud to name the NourishED Research Foundation as its 2025 Nonprofit Pick of the Year. This local organization is leading a global movement to change how we understand, treat, and talk about eating disorders.

Nourishing Knowledge, Empowering Hope

Founded by Dr. Brenna Bray, NourishED is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit research foundation that uses science to spark change. Their mission is simple but powerful: improve awareness, understanding, prevention, and treatment access for eating disorders—and do it for everyone.

They focus on justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. That means they’re not just helping individuals—they’re reshaping systems.

A Four-Pronged Approach to Change

NourishED tackles eating disorders through four key strategies:

1. Free and low-cost mental and whole health resources that are inclusive and accessible.
2. Trainings and tools for providers to improve screening and care.
3. Inclusive research that reflects real-world experiences.
4. Social media campaigns and outreach to change the environments where eating disorders occur.

This approach helps bridge the gap between research and real life.

Research That Reflects Reality

One thing that sets NourishED apart is its commitment to community-based research. They prioritize patient narratives and lived experiences, especially from underserved populations.

“We want to understand what eating disorders really look like,” says Dr. Bray. “Not just in clinics, but in homes, schools, and communities.”

Their work highlights how issues like food insecurity, trauma, and stigma play a major role in eating disorder development—and why traditional treatments often fall short.

Health in Your Hands

The NourishED Research Foundation is a 501c3 organization that uses research to improve awareness and understnding of eating disorders and their social justice roots (https://nourishedrfi.org).

NourishED also promotes health self-efficacy. That means helping people take charge of their own health with tools that are practical, empowering, and easy to access.

Whether it’s a mindfulness course, a nutrition guide, or a social media infographic, their resources are designed to meet people where they are.

And they’re not just for those with eating disorders—they’re for anyone navigating health disparities.

Led by a Boulder Trailblazer

Dr. Brenna Bray is the heart behind NourishED. She’s the foundation’s Founder, Director, CEO, and Principal Investigator. She also teaches at Naropa University, the National University of Natural Medicine, and conducts research at the Helfgott Research Institute.

Her work has earned national recognition, including Health Coach of the Year and Health Columnist of the Year. You can explore her writing on AboutBoulder or connect with her on LinkedIn.

A Team Fueled by Passion

Though NourishED is still young, its impact is growing fast. With a team of 20 volunteers, partnerships with major organizations, and a thriving online presence, it’s already making waves.

Their first intern, Rishi Lamichhane, is headed to Brown University to pursue his Masters in Public Health. Their Director of Research & Social Media, Barbara Kalu, is earning her master’s at Johns Hopkins in Clinical Mental Health. And their summit—named Boulder’s Health Event of the Year—is drawing global attention.

For Eating Disorders. For Everyone.

NourishED’s tagline says it all: For Eating Disorders. For Everyone. They’re committed to making sure no one is left out of the conversation.

That includes people of color, LGBTQ+ communities, low-income families, and anyone who’s been overlooked by traditional care systems.

Their work is a reminder that healing starts with understanding—and that understanding starts with listening.

Join the Movement

Want to support Boulder’s Nonprofit Pick of the Year? Visit nourishedrfi.org to learn more, access resources, or get involved.

Whether you’re a provider, a researcher, or someone looking for answers, NourishED has something for you.

Together, we can change the conversation—and change lives.

Brenna Bray

Dr. Brenna Bray, a local health and wellness coach, stress researcher, associate professor, and avid ultra-marathon mountain runner, holds PhDs in Biomedical Science, Neuroscience, and Complementary and Integrative Health. Her journey through an eating disorder fuels her dedication to coaching, merging personal experiences with scientific expertise. Through her practice, Bray empowers clients to access and harness their innate healing abilities and achieve remarkable health and wellness transformations. Committed to community engagement and holistic well-being, Dr. Bray shapes a brighter, healthier future for all. Learn more about Dr. Bray at www.brennabray.com.