Scholarship for Researchers Committed to Advancing Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) Research in Underrepresented Communities

At The Children’s Heart Foundation, we believe that fostering diversity in research and addressing health disparities in congenital heart defects (CHD) is crucial to improving outcomes for all patients impacted by CHDs. Our Scholarship for Researchers Committed to Advancing CHD Research in Underrepresented Communities aims to support individuals who are dedicated to conducting research on congenital heart defects and improving the health outcomes of underrepresented and disadvantaged populations.

This scholarship is designed to partially offset the cost of formal graduate-level research training for applicants pursuing a Master’s (e.g., MPH, MSW, MSN, MSCI, MS) or PhD degree, with a focus on translational or clinical research in CHDs and underrepresented communities.

Award Details:

• Two $10,000 scholarships will be awarded in 2026
• Funds will be sent directly to the applicant’s degree program and applied first to tuition and fees, then to other approved expenses within the institution’s official Cost of Attendance (COA) if permitted.

Timeline:

• Application Open: March 6, 2026
• Submission Deadline: June 8, 2026, due by 5:00 PM CDT 
• Semi-finalist Interviews: June 17 - 24, 2026
• Decision Notifications: End of July, 2026

Eligibility Requirements:
Applicants must meet the following two criteria AND demonstrate a commitment to researching CHDs in underrepresented populations:

1. Incoming and current graduate students (Master’s or PhD) enrolled in a research-focused program (e.g., MPH, MSW, MSN, MSCI, PhD). (Applicants in dual degree programs are permitted, e.g., MD & MPH).
2. Have a commitment to clinical or translational research related to congenital heart defects, for example, but not limited to behavioral health sciences, public health, health services, implementation science, biostatistics, or related disciplines.

Commitment to Research on CHDs and Underrepresented Populations:
Applicants must demonstrate their dedication to advancing research related to CHDs in underrepresented and other disadvantaged populations. This includes showing how their work will address health disparities and contribute to improving outcomes in these communities.

Priority Consideration:
While this scholarship is open to all applicants, priority will be given to individuals from disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds, or those whose research meaningfully engages with individuals and families affected by congenital heart disease in underserved or under-resourced communities.

How to Apply / Required Documents:

Applicants should submit the following documents via Proposal Central:

• Statement of Interest (3 pages maximum)
  The statement should include:
  • Your interest in CHD research, especially in underrepresented and disadvantaged communities.
  • Your past research accomplishments and how they relate to CHD or health disparities in underrepresented and other disadvantaged populations.
  • A clear commitment to conducting future research on CHDs in these communities.
  • Your career development plan and how the scholarship will support your goals.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
• Letter of Support
  A letter from an academic advisor, mentor, or other relevant professional who can speak to your commitment and potential to conduct research related to congenital heart defects (CHDs), especially in underrepresented and disadvantaged populations, and advance the mission of The Children’s Heart Foundation.
• Post Award Involvement: 
  • Awardee agrees to be featured in promotional materials and participate in Foundation events.
  • Awardee agrees to share academic progress.
  • Awardee agrees to provide a reflection of the impact of this scholarship.

Application Reviews: 
Applications will be evaluated relative to the applicant’s level of training, with expectations appropriate to their career stage. 

Applications will be reviewed based on the following criteria: 

1. Commitment to CHD research and health equity
2. Past research accomplishments
3. Future research commitment to CHDs in disadvantaged communities and the potential to impact CHD disparities
4. Career development plan and use of scholarship (need and plans for use)

Semi-finalists will be invited to participate in an interview as part of the final selection process. 

Application Portal:
All applicants for the must submit through our online application portal: https://proposalcentral.com/GrantOpportunities.asp?GMID=273

Disbursement of Funds:
Scholarship funds will be disbursed directly to the recipient’s academic institution. The institution will apply the funds first to tuition and mandatory fees. If the total scholarship amount exceeds these charges and the institution permits, remaining funds may be applied to other eligible expenses within the student’s official Cost of Attendance (COA), such as books, housing, transportation, and required program expenses. Funds cannot be used for expenses not included in the institution’s COA or for personal discretionary costs.

Need help or assistance using Proposal Central? Their help center information is below:

• 8:30am - 5:00pm Eastern Time (Monday through Friday)
• by phone (toll-free): 800 875 2562 (Toll-free U.S. and Canada) or +1 703-964-5840 (Direct Dial International) 
• by email: pcsupport@altum.com

For questions regarding the Scholarship, email Scholarship@childrensheartfoundation.org