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American College of Cardiology Foundation

Annual Giving
$124.0M
Grant Range
$1K - $0.1M
Decision Time
4mo

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American College of Cardiology Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Revenue: ~$124 million (FY 2023)
  • Total Assets: ~$147 million
  • Success Rate: Varies by program (competitive)
  • Decision Time: 2-6 months depending on program
  • Grant Range: $1,000 - $100,000
  • Geographic Focus: National (U.S.) and International

Contact Details

Overview

Founded in 1949, the American College of Cardiology Foundation (ACCF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health for all. With approximately $124 million in annual revenue and $147 million in total assets, the Foundation serves over 56,000 cardiovascular care team members worldwide. The organization maintains a program expense ratio of 84.56%, demonstrating strong commitment to mission-related activities. The ACCF has earned a Four-Star rating (95%) from Charity Navigator for financial transparency and accountability.

The Foundation's strategic direction (2024-2028) focuses on four pillars: increasing relevance as the cardiovascular professional home; generating and delivering actionable knowledge; advancing quality, equity, and value of cardiovascular care; and ensuring organizational growth and sustainability. Core values include Patient-Centered care, Teamwork and Collaboration, and Professionalism, Excellence and Equity.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Research Fellowship Awards

  • ACC/ABC Merck Research Fellowship Award: $100,000 (three awards annually) for one year of protected research in adult cardiology. One award specifically designated for an Association of Black Cardiologists member.

  • William A. Zoghbi Global Research Initiative: $25,000 (seven awards annually) supporting one year of international cardiovascular research. Includes focus areas in heart failure and cardiometabolic health.

  • Thad and Gerry Waites Rural Cardiovascular Research Fellowship: Up to $70,000 for Fellows-in-Training or early-career cardiologists addressing cardiovascular disparities in rural and underserved communities.

Quality Improvement Grants

  • QI/PI Project Grants: Up to $100,000 for hospitals and health systems implementing innovative, measurable quality improvement projects. Funded through the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care endowment.

  • WIC Member Engagement Grants: Total of $10,000 distributed to 3 ACC chapters annually for women in cardiology initiatives.

Emergency Support

  • ACC Benevolence Fund: Up to $1,500 for medical students, residents, and Fellows in Training facing unforeseen financial hardship. Grants awarded twice yearly.

Competition Awards

  • Young Investigator Awards: Category winners receive $2,000; runners-up receive $1,000; honorable mentions receive $500. Three competition categories: Basic/Translational Science, Clinical Investigations, and Outcomes Research.

  • Douglas P. Zipes Distinguished Young Scientist Award: $1,000 plus travel expenses and presentation opportunity at ACC Annual Scientific Session.

Scholar and Development Programs

  • Hani Najm Global Scholar Award: Fully funded 3-4 week observership program at a U.S. hospital, plus complimentary ACC Scientific Session registration for early-career cardiologists from low- to middle-income countries in the Middle East and Africa.

  • Using Her Voice Scholars Program: Mentorship and speaking opportunities for early-career women in academic cardiology (3 scholars selected annually).

  • Global Digital Health Award: Recognition for international companies transforming cardiovascular care through digital solutions.

Priority Areas

  • Clinical cardiovascular research
  • Basic and translational cardiovascular science
  • Cardiovascular disparities and health equity
  • Rural cardiovascular health
  • Quality improvement in cardiovascular care
  • Women's cardiovascular health
  • Global cardiovascular health (particularly low- to middle-income countries)
  • Digital health innovation
  • Early career professional development
  • Cardiometabolic health

What They Don't Fund

  • Travel for conferences or professional development (through Benevolence Fund)
  • Professional or school/training-related expenses (through Benevolence Fund)
  • Organizations without demonstrated connection to cardiovascular care
  • Projects without measurable outcomes (for QI grants)

Governance and Leadership

Officers

  • President: Christopher M. Kramer, MD, FACC
  • Vice President: Roxana Mehran, MD, FACC
  • Immediate-Past President: Cathleen Biga, MSN, MACC (first nonphysician president)
  • Treasurer: Akshay K. Khandelwal, MD, MBA, FACC
  • Secretary and Board of Governors Chair: David E. Winchester, MD, MS, FACC

Executive Staff

  • Chief Executive Officer: Cathleen C. Gates (30+ year tenure with ACC)
  • Chief Medical Officer: Richard J. Kovacs, MD, MACC
  • General Counsel: Lisa M. Hix, JD
  • Chief Commercial Officer: Neal Kovach

Trustees

Lee R. Goldberg, MD, MPH, FACC; Bonnie Ky, MD, MSCE, FACC; Sandra J. Lewis, MD, FACC; Thomas M. Maddox, MD, MSc, FACC; Andreas Merkl, MBA; Pamela B. Morris, MD, FACC; Hani K. Najm, MD, MSc, FACC; Samuel O. Jones, MD, MPH, FACC; Geoffrey A. Rose, MD, FACC

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

All applications are submitted through the ACC website at acc.org. Applicants must have an ACC.org account. Most programs require:

  • Completed online application
  • Statement of qualifications or personal statement
  • Letter(s) of support from mentor/program director
  • Supporting documentation (varies by program)
  • Current CV/resume
  • Research proposals (for research awards)

For ACC/ABC Merck Research Fellowship Award:

  • Applicants must be in an ACGME or AOA-recognized Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship Program
  • Must have a preceptor/mentor with recognized experience
  • Recommendation from program director and institution required
  • Preference given to those with no more than two years of full-time research experience

For international awards (Zoghbi, Hani Najm):

  • Documents must be in English or accompanied by official translation
  • Proof of medical license and training certificates required
  • Active ACC membership required if selected

Decision Timeline

ProgramApplication DeadlineDecision Notification
ACC/ABC Merck Research FellowshipVaries annuallySeveral months
William A. Zoghbi Global ResearchClosed for 2026 cycleSpring (at ACC Scientific Session)
Young Investigator AwardsMid-August (Aug 25, 2025 for ACC.26)Prior to Scientific Session
Hani Najm Global ScholarMid-JulyFall
Using Her Voice ScholarsNovemberDecember 31
ACC Benevolence FundOngoing (twice yearly)Ongoing
QI/PI Project GrantsJanuary (portal opens Jan 19, 2026)Varies

Success Rates

The ACC/ABC Merck Research Fellowship has provided opportunities for 40 years, launching careers of many young scientists. Three fellowships are awarded annually, making this a competitive program. Specific acceptance rates are not published, but applicants are advised that "these applications are often competitive and may require multiple submissions."

Reapplication Policy

  • ACC Benevolence Fund: Eligible applicants not selected may apply one additional time in the same calendar year (maximum of 2 applications per calendar year)
  • Research awards: Multiple submissions encouraged; plan one to two years ahead with mentors

Application Success Factors

For Research Fellowships (ACC/ABC Merck):

  • Proposals addressing CVD and cardiometabolic disorders are encouraged
  • Preference given to applicants focusing on disparities of care
  • Applicants focusing on gender, race, geographic, and economic inequalities in cardiovascular care are especially encouraged
  • Strong mentor relationship with recognized experience is essential
  • Program director support and institutional commitment required

For Young Investigator Awards:

  • Basic and Translational Science category: Focus on molecular or physiologic mechanisms of disease or treatment, including studies using human tissue or animal models
  • Clinical Investigations category: Research with direct application to clinical medicine in patients
  • Present cutting-edge, innovative research

For Quality Improvement Grants:

  • Projects must be innovative, measurable, and sustainable
  • Demonstrate clear quality improvement or performance improvement objectives
  • Show alignment with ACC's cardiovascular care quality standards

For International Awards:

  • Demonstrate commitment to cardiovascular health in low- to middle-income countries
  • Show potential for innovative research with meaningful impact
  • For Hani Najm Award: Must be practicing cardiology 2-10 years post-training

General Recommendations from ACC:

  • Plan applications one to two years ahead with mentors
  • Pay particular attention to grant cycles and application timelines
  • Be prepared for competitive processes requiring multiple submissions
  • Secure collaborators and research mentors early, as lack of these negatively affects funding success
  • Ensure proper disclosure of relevant relationships

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  1. Strong emphasis on equity and disparities: ACC prioritizes proposals addressing gender, race, geographic, and economic inequalities in cardiovascular care—highlight these elements in applications.

  2. Mentor relationship is critical: All research fellowships require documented mentor support with recognized expertise. Build this relationship before applying.

  3. Plan well in advance: ACC recommends planning one to two years ahead. Applications are competitive and may require multiple submissions.

  4. International focus for specific awards: The Zoghbi Global Research Initiative and Hani Najm Award specifically target researchers and practitioners in low- to middle-income countries.

  5. Rural health is a growing priority: The new Thad and Gerry Waites Fellowship ($70,000) signals significant investment in rural cardiovascular health—particularly for applicants in Mississippi, West Virginia, Florida, or Washington.

  6. Quality improvement grants require institutional backing: Hospitals and health systems applying for QI/PI grants need strong institutional support and clear, measurable project outcomes.

  7. Early career focus: Many programs specifically target Fellows-in-Training or those within 3-12 years of completing training—timing of application within career trajectory matters.

References

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