The A.C.N.M. Foundation, Inc. Scholarships and Awards Applications
The following awards and scholarships are offered by The A.C.N.M. Foundation, Inc. Award applications currently being accepted have applications listed below and submittable at: Submittable.com.
Recognition Awards/Honors
Wayachi Seed Grant
Project proposals must have a primary focus on meeting the direct needs of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), with preference to projects that address the Wayachi Fund purposes described below. * BIPOC/people of color applicants from diverse backgrounds are eligible and encouraged to apply, including midwives (e.g., CNM/CM/CPM/LM), students, retirees, community groups, advocates, and other health professionals who work with under-resourced BIPOC/people of color communities.
*The Wayachi Seed Fund was established in 2020 by the ACNM Midwives of Color Committee to provide financial support to midwives of color and student midwives of color, as well as organizations or groups led by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), that directly and specifically address the fund purposes, which are to:
• improve recruitment, retention, and support of the advancement of persons of color and diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds into the profession of midwifery
• initiate, support, and advance the educational success of students and midwives of color
• create leadership development and mentorship opportunities for midwives of color
• promote midwives of color efforts to advance health equity and eliminate disparities in maternal and child health in their communities
• promoting anti-racism work within midwifery
• advance other diversity, equity, and inclusion activities that support midwives and communities of color
Wayachi is an Indigenous Chahta (Choctaw) word for origin or beginning, as a seed is the origin of a plant. The Wayachi Seed Fund is a tribute to all traditional midwives in the history of the United States, especially the Black Grand midwives, Indigenous midwives, and Curandera-Parteras, whose seeds of midwifery cultivated the exceptional care that midwives around the country offer today.
Application deadline to be announced for 2022
Dorothea M. Lang Pioneer Award ~ The Foundation's most prestigious award!
PURPOSE:
The A.C.N.M. Foundation’s most prestigious honor, the Dorothea M. Lang Pioneer Award, is appropriately named for late Dorothea M. Lang, CNM, MPH, FACNM, past president of both the A.C.N.M. Foundation and American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM). This award honors Dorothea’s pioneering, visionary leadership which advanced the profession of midwifery in countless ways for decades. This award honors exceptional CNMs/CMs who have exhibited vision, leadership, and innovation in one or more of the following ways:
1. Demonstrated what midwifery care could and should be on the health team
2. Pioneered the integration of midwifery into the health care system
3. Initiated/rescued/enhanced/saved a midwifery service and/or education program
4. Fostered/created open-minded pathways in education for professional midwives
5. Furthered the legislative agenda for full scope midwifery practice
AWARD AMOUNT: Determined annually, and funded by the Sparacio Foundation, Inc.
• The Lang Award includes a monetary prize which may be used by the recipient at their discretion to enhance themselves or their work.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
• Be a CNM or CM certified for at least twenty (20) years
• Be a member of the ACNM
• Not a past recipient of ACNM’s Hattie Hemschemeyer Award (1977- 2020) or ACNM’s Lifetime Visionary Award (2021-present)
• Not a current member of the A.C.N.M. Foundation Board of Trustees or the ACNM Board of Directors
NOMINATORS MUST:
• Be a member of the ACNM
Complete applications must include the following:
• Part 1: Nominee Information
• Part 2: Nominator Information
• Part 3: Statement of Achievements
• Part 4: CV/Resume
• Part 5: Two (2) Recommendations
• Part 6: Applicant Statement
FYI: A draft application can be created, then applicants can revisit this site to complete the application. Please email any questions to [email protected]
Application deadline to be announced
Louis M Hellman MD Midwifery Partnership Award
The Louis M Hellman MD Midwifery Partnership Award is given jointly by The A.C.N.M. Foundation, Inc., the American College of Nurse Midwives, and the Midwifery Business Network. The award recognizes an obstetrician gynecologist who has been a champion/supporter of midwifery practice. The physician must be a Fellow or Junior Fellow of the American Congress of Obstetrician-Gynecologists (ACOG.)
Application deadline to be announced.
Midwifery Student Scholarships & Awards
Basic Midwifery Student Scholarships
The A.C.N.M. Foundation, Inc. Basic Midwifery Student Scholarships are awarded to midwifery students to support education expenses for the purpose of encouraging individuals to pursue or complete basic midwifery education, thereby increasing the number, quality, and diversity of certified nurse-midwives and certified midwives. Several basic scholarships are given annually, including the following endowed scholarships: Midwives of Color-Watson Scholarship, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Health Care Scholarship, Colorado Affiliate BIPOC Scholarship, and the Edith B Wonnell CNM Scholarship. Memorial Scholarships are also awarded as funding allows. All applicants are judged on academic performance, professional excellence, plans to promote health equity, leadership potential, and financial need.
Basic Midwifery Student Scholarships with specific eligibility requirements include:
Midwives of Color-Watson Midwifery Student Scholarship - awarded to student midwives of color for the purpose of enhancing student success, thereby increasing the number of midwives of color in the profession of midwifery.
Edith B. Wonnell CNM Scholarship - awarded to student midwives who intend to work in an out-of-hospital setting, birth center or home birth, upon graduation.
Students interested in these scholarships apply using the Basic Student Scholarship Application.
Application deadline to be announced for 2023
Twentieth Century Midwives Student Interview Project Award
Student midwives who are members of ACNM who are enrolled in an ACME-accredited midwifery education program and participate in the A.C.N.M. Foundation's Twentieth Century Midwives Student Interview Project are eligible for this award. Student interviews are one important aspect of the Twentieth Century Midwives Story Collection of the Foundation's Midwifery Legacies Project. Students meet and interview a senior midwife, record her/his story and write a reflection essay that focuses on what they learned from the midwife they interviewed and how their listening to the senior midwife may influence their midwifery career. Awards are given annually to the student(s) who submit the most outstanding interview and reflection essay.
On Hold Until Further Notice
Doctoral and Post-Doctoral Graduate Education Scholarships for Midwives
The Carrington-Hsia-Nieves Doctoral Scholarship for Midwives of Color ($5,000)
Application Due September 12, 2022
The A.C.N.M. Foundation, Inc. announces the Carrington-Hsia-Nieves Doctoral Scholarship for Midwives of Color Scholarship to be awarded to a CNM/CM of color enrolled in doctoral or post-doctoral education and a current ACNM member. The purpose of the scholarship is to encourage CNM/CMs to pursue doctoral education that prepares them for leadership roles in midwifery, clinical, and public health, while also pursuing evidence-based scholarly work focused on innovative approaches to improve maternal and child health, reduce health disparities, and promote health equity. Applicants are judged on excellence in the following areas: academic achievement/career plans, leadership potential, quality of a scholarly work sample, intended use of funds, future contributions to ACNM and midwifery, and academic recommendations. This award is named in honor of three of our most distinguished midwives of color: Betty Watts Carrington, CNM, Ph.D., FACNM; Lily Hsia, CNM, PNP, MSN, FACNM; and Nivia Nieves Fisch, CNM, FACNM. Funding comes from the A.C.N.M. Foundation's Midwives of Color Scholarship Fund. Eligible midwives of color are encouraged to apply by the deadline of September 12, 2022, for consideration.
Applications are due by September 12, 2022
Access the Form: HERE
Fellowship for Graduate Education
The A.C.N.M. Foundation, Inc. Fellowship for Graduate Education is awarded to CNM/CMs who are enrolled in practice-oriented doctoral or post-doctoral education (such as DM, DNP, DrPH, etc.). The purpose of the fellowship is to encourage CNM/CMs to pursue graduate education that prepares them for leadership roles in clinical/practice administration, education, research, or policy. Applicants are judged on excellence in the following areas: academic achievement/career plans, leadership potential, quality of a scholarly work sample, intended use of funds, future contributions to ACNM and midwifery, and academic recommendations
Application deadline to be announced for 2022
Dianne S. Moore Midwifery Research Scholarship
The A.C.N.M. Foundation, Inc. announces the Dianne S. Moore Midwifery Research Scholarship to be awarded to a CNM/CM enrolled in research-oriented doctoral or post-doctoral education (i.e., PhD, ScD, DNSc, etc.). The purpose of the scholarship is to encourage CNM/CMs to pursue doctoral education that prepares them for leadership roles in midwifery and public health, while also pursuing evidence-based research focused on innovative and unconventional approaches designed to improve maternal and child health, reduce health disparities, and promote health equity. Applicants are judged on excellence in the following areas: academic achievement/career plans, leadership potential, quality of a scholarly work sample, intended use of funds, future contributions to ACNM and midwifery, and academic recommendations. The scholarship is funded by the Dianne S. Moore Midwifery Research Endowment Fund.
Application deadline to be announced for 2023
Leadership, Research and Policy Initiatives
W. Newton Long Award for the Advancement of Midwifery
PURPOSE:
To honor the memory of W. Newton Long, MD, a longtime supporter of midwives, midwifery practice, and midwifery research in the diverse settings in which he practiced as an OB/GYN, including the Indian Health Service, Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, and Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. This award is intended to fund projects or activities that relate to the advancement of midwifery by addressing one or more of the following:
1. Advancement of midwifery clinical skills
2. Advancement of midwifery through research
3. Dissemination of midwifery research
4. Promotion of professional midwifery
5. Presentations at medical or midwifery conferences
6. Establishment of new midwifery practices/services
7. Study of different aspects of midwifery practice in the U.S. and abroad.
AWARD AMOUNT: Up to $1,500.00
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
• Be a CNM or /CM
• Be a member of the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM)
Complete applications must include the following:
• Part 1: Applicant Information
• Part 2: ACNM Membership / Certification
• Part 3: Goals & Objectives
• Part 4: Plans & Timeline
• Part 5: Proposed Budget – Intended Use
• Part 6: Research Related Projects
• Part 7: CV / Resume
• Part 8: Two (2) Recommendations
• Part 9: Applicant Statement
Application deadline to be announced for 2023
FYI: A draft application can be created, then applicants can revisit this site to complete the application. Please email any questions to [email protected]
The A.C.N.M. Foundation Varney Leadership Award (for basic midwifery students)
Attendance and Accommodations at 2022 LEAD and Midwifery Works plus $1000
Application Due July 17, 2022
The A.C.N.M. Foundation Varney Leadership Award will be made to two basic midwifery student members of ACNM to support their participation in a unique mentored student leadership experience. Award recipients will attend a one-day LEAD (Learn, Engage, Ascend, Deliver) Leadership Development Program (October 6, 2022), followed by two days at the annual Midwifery Works Conference (October 7-8, 2022), both in Henderson, Nevada. Mentorship will be led by Maria Valentin-Welch, CNM, DNP, MPH, CDP, FACNM, along with past Varney Award winners. The award covers the cost of the LEAD and the Midwifery Works registrations plus hotel accommodations, as well as a $1,000 award. This student experience is made possible through the generous financial support of Helen Varney Burst, MSN, CNM, DHL (Hon.), FACNM.
Applications are due by July 17, 2022
Access the Form: HERE
Global Health Awards
Jeanne Raisler International Award for Midwifery
This award, which honors the memory of Jeanne Raisler, CNM, DrPH, FACNM and her commitment to midwifery and international women's health issues, supports ACNM members to become involved in global midwifery issues. It enables recipients to gain experience in international midwifery through participation in a project designed to improve the health of women in a developing country.
Application deadline to be announced for 2022
Bonnie Westenberg Pedersen International Midwife Award
This award honors the memory of Bonnie Westenberg Pedersen, CNM, and is given to an international midwife to encourage her/him to follow Bonnie's path of leadership, vision and significant contributions to the profession of midwifery and international reproductive health, particularly in developing countries.
Application deadline to be announced for 2022
Thacher Midwifery Leadership Fellowship
The Thacher Midwifery Leadership Fellowship enables ACNM members to build leadership skills in business management and marketing midwifery practices. The award will help cover the costs of attending the annual conference - Midwifery Works. Thacher Fellows enjoy the invaluable mentorship of midwifery business leaders, conference attendees and past Thacher Fellows. Awards are made possible through the generous support of the Frances T. Thacher Midwifery Leadership Endowment, matched by donations from the Midwifery Business Network.
Application deadline to be announced for 2022
Deanne R. Williams Public Policy Fellowship
This fellowship was established in honor of former ACNM executive director Deanne Williams' long and distinguished career in midwifery and public policy. Funding for the first award, which led to the 2010 white paper entitled: "Positioning Midwifery in Health System Reform: A Policy Review" was augmented with funds from The Teresa Marsico Memorial Fund.
Future application deadlines to be determined
Community-Based Projects and Awards
Thacher Community Grants
PURPOSE:
The Thacher Community Grant supports community-based projects that promote excellent health care outcomes for all, especially those that show innovative means to meet community needs. Funding is provided by the Frances T. Thacher Midwifery Leadership Endowment, which has specific goals related care of populations with disparate outcomes and poor access to resources, as well as leadership development for midwives.
Preference in 2022 will be given to projects that address community needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially those that target racial inequity and/or health disparities; care for people with physical or mental illness and disability; and/or care of populations in low-resource settings. Applications must demonstrate a community need and a plan to evaluate the impact of their work at the community level. Funding must directly support the project and the community served.
Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply; especially midwives, students, retirees, community groups, advocates, and other health professionals who work with under-resourced communities.
AWARD AMOUNT: $1000.00
ELIGIBILITY: Open to all applicants. ACNM membership is not required.
To Apply: Complete each part of the application
• Part 1: Applicant Information
• Part 2: Statement of Community Need
• Part 3: Project Description
• Part 4: Project Timeline
• Part 5: Intended Use of Funds
• Part 6: Project Evaluation
• Part 7: Two (2) Recommendations
• Part 8: Applicant Statement
Application deadline to be announced for 2023
FYI: A draft application can be created, then applicants can revisit this site to complete the application. Please email any questions to [email protected]
Texas Midwifery Creation Scholarship
This scholarship was established in 2016 by the Texas Affiliate of ACNM, the Consortium for Texas Certified Nurse-Midwives (CTCNM), as a means of increasing the number of practicing CNMs/CMs in Texas. Eligible applicants will be a student member of ACNM, enrolled as a student in good standing at an ACME accredited or pre-accredited basic midwifery education program, with a stated intention to practice midwifery in Texas after graduation. Priority is given to students with Texas roots (such as residence, family, education, or prior clinical work in Texas), and preference to applicants who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. This scholarship will be given in honor of individuals who have contributed to midwifery in Texas through clinical practice, education or advocacy. The first scholarship was given in honor of legendary Texas midwives Nivia Nieves Fisch, CNM, FACNM and Sister Angela Murdaugh, CNM, MS, FACNM. Each year thereafter, a Texas midwife is recognized in this way.
Application deadline to be announced for 2022
Rev. 220425