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ACC Benevolence Fund
Providing Critical Support to Future Cardiologists in Times of Need

Thanks to a generous gift from M. Eugene Sherman, MD, MACC, the ACC Benevolence Fund provides up to $1,500 emergency grants to support medical students, residents and Fellows in Training facing unforeseen financial hardship.

The ACC believes the cardiovascular profession benefits from a strong and diverse workforce. And part of that is ensuring future clinicians are able to access the training they need to succeed.

Awards are granted to help applicants overcome a short-term challenge and stay on track toward a career in cardiology.

Apply Please email MemberEngage@acc.org if there are issues with accessing or submitting an application.

The Award

Who Can Apply

Applicants must:

  • Be ACC members in good standing
  • Be enrolled in a U.S.-accredited medical school, residency, or cardiology fellowship
  • Be committed to a cardiovascular career path
  • Demonstrate financial hardship due to emergency, health, or other unforeseen event or circumstances.

Note: International trainees enrolled in U.S.-based programs are eligible.

What Awardees Receive

A one-time grant of up to $1,500, awarded based on need and available funds.

What the Fund Does Not Cover

  • Travel for conferences or professional development
  • Tuition or academic fees
  • Study materials or equipment (e.g., laptops, subscriptions)

Requests to support professional or school/training related expenses will not be forwarded to the review & evaluation committee.

How to Apply

You'll need these Items to complete the application:
  • Proof of training enrollment
  • Photo ID
  • Statement from advisor, mentor or sponsor verifying need/emergency (must be an ACC member in good standing)
    • Must be signed and on institutional letterhead
  • Statement from your program director confirming you're in good standing in your training program/institution
    • Must be signed and on institutional letterhead
Apply

Approval Process

  • The Review and Selection Committee may request additional information or documentation from the applicant if necessary.
  • Approval will be based on financial need.
  • Not every request will be met with financial support.

Award Schedule†

  • Summer Cycle
    • Application closes August 30
    • Notification sent by September 30
  • Autumn Cycle
    • Application closes September 30
    • Notification sent by October 30
†Check back for future application dates.

Basis for Award Decisions

  • The specific and immediate impacts the emergency may be having on the student's or trainee's well-being and academic progress.
  • The nature and urgency of the emergency and the totality of the student's hardships.
  • Additional resources or support available to the applicant.
  • Commitment to cardiology and support from program director and mentor.
  • Supporting information provided by third parties at the student's request.

Approved Applicants

  • Approved applicants will be notified of their award over email.
  • Funds are distributed directly to recipients or third-party vendors, depending on the situation.
  • All information is kept strictly confidential.

Fund Guidelines

  • Applicants may be asked to provide feedback on the impact of the funds received from the ACCF Benevolence Fund.
  • If an individual's application is approved, then the recipient must agree to use the funds for the purpose outlined in the application.
  • Eligible applicants who are not selected may apply one additional time in the same calendar year. For clarity, applicants may submit no more than two (2) applications total per calendar year.

Questions?

Please review the FAQs before applying.

Help Spread the Word

Help Spread the Word

If you're a mentor, program director or colleague of someone facing hardship, please encourage them to apply. This fund exists to make sure no one has to pause their career due to a financial emergency.

Want to Support the Fund?

Want to Support the Fund?

Help sustain this program for future trainees. Contact Brynne MacCann at philanthropy@acc.org.


Ready to Make a Lasting Difference? Learn more about giving to the ACC Foundation