Foundation of the American College of Healthcare Executives

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $75,000+ (estimated in scholarships; total expenses $16.5M in 2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: 4 months (applications Jan-Mar, notifications July)
• Grant Range: $5,000 per scholarship; program scholarships vary
• Geographic Focus: United States and Canada
• Total Assets: $97.3 million (2024)

Contact Details

Main Office: American College of Healthcare Executives One North Franklin Street, Suite 1700 Chicago, IL 60606

General Contact:

• Phone: (312) 424-2800
• Email: contact@ache.org

Scholarship Inquiries:

• Customer Service Center: (312) 424-9400
• Email: contact@ache.org

Development/Fund for Healthcare Leadership:

• Timothy R. Tlusty, Vice President, Development
• Phone: (312) 424-9305
• Email: ttlusty@ache.org

Website: https://www.ache.org/about-ache/the-fund

Overview

The Foundation of the American College of Healthcare Executives was established in July 1944 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing healthcare management excellence through education and research. With total assets of $97.3 million and annual revenue of $19.8 million (2024), the Foundation serves as the educational and research arm of ACHE, an international professional society of more than 51,000 healthcare executives.

The Foundation created the Fund for Healthcare Leadership in 2006 to bring innovation to the forefront of healthcare leadership and has since worked to strengthen the field through educational programs and scholarships. The Foundation is currently raising $1 million by March 2025 to support scholarships for talented individuals who lack the resources to acquire the skills and training needed to effectively lead. Major donors include HCA Healthcare, WittKieffer, Advocate Health, Kaiser Permanente, and Mayo Clinic.

Under the leadership of President and CEO Deborah J. Bowen, FACHE, CAE, the Foundation has guided 685 professionals to earn their FACHE credential, grown the FACHE community to nearly 9,200 Fellows, and organized 200 education programs supporting 75 ACHE Chapters hosting 1,300 events.

Funding Priorities

Scholarship Programs

The Foundation provides scholarships exclusively to individuals (not organizations) pursuing healthcare management education and professional development:

Albert W. Dent and Foster G. McGaw Graduate Student Scholarships

• Amount: $5,000 each
• Number: Up to 15 scholarships awarded annually (combined)
• Eligibility: Full-time graduate students in final year of healthcare management programs (MHA, MPH, MBA)
• Requirements: U.S. or Canadian citizens, demonstrate financial need, not in paid healthcare management positions
• Application: Online application, Jan 2 - March 31 annually
• Note: Albert W. Dent scholarships designated for minority students; McGaw open to all eligible applicants

Stuart A. Wesbury Jr. Administrative Fellowship

• Duration: One-year postgraduate fellowship
• Program: Opportunity to work across all major ACHE departments
• Established: 1991
• Eligibility: Graduate degree in healthcare or association management from accredited institution, work authorization in U.S.
• Focus: Postgraduate education in healthcare and professional society management

Career Launch Program (CLP) Scholarships

• Program: 8-week virtual program for early careerists (within first 5 years)
• Credits: Up to 12 ACHE Virtual Interactive Education credits
• Schedule: Weekly sessions, October-December
• Application Deadline: August 15 annually
• Funding: Through Fund for Healthcare Leadership donor contributions

Career Accelerator Program (CAP) Scholarships

• Program: 14-week virtual leadership development program
• Target: Mid-career executives at manager or director-level positions
• Credits: Up to 18 ACHE Virtual Interactive Education credits
• Features: Virtual webinars, self-study materials, group mentoring, networking
• Application Deadline: May 16 annually

Executive Program Scholarships

• Target: Director and VP-level leaders, senior VPs, C-suite aspirants, clinical leaders transitioning to administration
• Amount: Not publicly disclosed (partial tuition scholarships)
• Application Period: December 1 - March 16 annually
• Notification: End of April
• Note: Scholarships cover tuition only; travel and hotel expenses not included

Priority Areas

The Foundation prioritizes funding for:

• Graduate students in healthcare management programs demonstrating financial need
• Early and mid-career healthcare professionals seeking leadership development
• Individuals from organizations lacking resources for professional development funding
• ACHE Student Associates and members (preference given during selection)
• Minority students pursuing healthcare management careers (Dent scholarships)
• Professionals committed to advancing healthcare leadership excellence

What They Don't Fund

The Foundation does not provide:

• Grants to organizations or institutions
• Funding for undergraduate programs
• Travel and accommodation expenses (except for some specific programs)
• Support for individuals already in senior executive positions with organizational funding
• Scholarships to previous recipients of the same award
• Funding for individuals not pursuing healthcare management careers
• Support for those not authorized to work in the U.S. (for fellowship programs)

Governance and Leadership

President and CEO: Deborah J. Bowen, FACHE, CAE has served as President and CEO of the American College of Healthcare Executives since May 13, 2013. She previously served as Executive Vice President and COO from 2003-2013, Vice President of Administration from 1994-2000, and Director of Government Relations from 1992-1994. Ms. Bowen holds an MBA from Loyola University Chicago and an MS from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is board certified in healthcare management and a Fellow of both ACHE and the American Society of Association Executives. She has been recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare and one of the Top 25 Women in Healthcare.

On advancing opportunities for diverse healthcare executives, Ms. Bowen has stated: "Caring is at the core of what we do... Expanding opportunities for diverse executives in healthcare."

Organizational Structure: The Foundation operates with 106 total employees and works in tandem with ACHE to advance healthcare leadership excellence. The organization maintains a collaborative team approach despite being relatively small.

Key Contact: Timothy R. Tlusty serves as Vice President of Development, overseeing the Fund for Healthcare Leadership and donor relations.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

All scholarship applications are submitted through ACHE's online application portal at https://www.ache.org

For Graduate Student Scholarships (Dent & McGaw):

1. Complete online application at https://ache.secure-platform.com/dentmcgaw
2. Submit current resume or curriculum vitae
3. Provide official undergraduate and graduate transcripts
4. Obtain three letters of recommendation (including one from graduate program director)
5. Write comprehensive application essay addressing:
   • Career aspirations in healthcare management
   • Professional engagement plans
   • Field history and experience
   • Financial need demonstration
   • Community and civic involvement

For Executive Program Scholarships:

1. Submit current resume/CV
2. Obtain letter of support from CEO or senior executive
3. Write personal statement addressing:
   • Financial need and organizational resource limitations
   • Example of exceptional leadership
   • Career obstacle overcome
   • How program advances career goals
   • Volunteer and leadership experiences

For Career Programs (CAP/CLP):

1. Complete online application with personal statement (250 words per section)
2. Obtain letter of support from CEO or senior-level healthcare executive (250-500 words)
3. Demonstrate mid-career or early-career status as appropriate

Decision Timeline

Graduate Student Scholarships:

• Application Window: January 2 - March 31
• Notification: July (by letter)
• Timeline: 4 months from application close to notification

Executive Program:

• Application Window: December 1 - March 16
• Notification: End of April
• Timeline: Approximately 1.5 months

Career Accelerator Program:

• Application Deadline: May 16
• Program Dates: Varies annually

Career Launch Program:

• Application Deadline: August 15
• Program Dates: October - December

Success Rates

The Foundation awards up to 15 Dent and McGaw scholarships from an undisclosed applicant pool. Specific success rates and total applicant numbers are not publicly disclosed for any of the Foundation's scholarship programs. The Foundation describes the scholarships as competitive and based on financial need, academic merit, and professional commitment to healthcare leadership.

Reapplication Policy

Previous Recipients: Individuals who have previously received a specific ACHE Foundation scholarship (e.g., Dent, McGaw) are not eligible to reapply for that same scholarship.

Unsuccessful Applicants: The Foundation's policies do not explicitly prohibit unsuccessful applicants from reapplying in subsequent years. The restriction applies only to previous award winners, suggesting that rejected applicants may resubmit applications in future cycles.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Foundation's published guidance and scholarship requirements, successful applications demonstrate:

1. Comprehensive Essay Responses The Foundation explicitly advises: "Provide a comprehensive essay that thoroughly addresses all requested topics, demonstrating your commitment to healthcare management and financial need." Applications should address every component of the essay prompt with specific examples and clear explanations.

2. Demonstrated Financial Need All scholarship programs prioritize applicants who lack organizational resources or personal means to fund their professional development. Applications should include:

• Clear description of financial circumstances
• Explanation of why organizational support is unavailable
• Specific impact the scholarship would have on career trajectory

3. ACHE Membership and Engagement While not required for all programs, "preference is given to applicants who are Student Associates of ACHE" during the selection process. Active engagement with ACHE demonstrates commitment to the profession.

4. Leadership and Service Successful candidates typically demonstrate:

• Academic achievement
• Community and health administration leadership
• Engagement and volunteerism
• Notable accomplishments reflecting relevant abilities and skills
• Examples of mentoring or barriers surmounted

5. Clear Career Goals Aligned with Healthcare Leadership Applications should articulate:

• Specific career aspirations in healthcare management
• How the scholarship/program supports advancement
• Professional engagement plans
• Commitment to improving healthcare through leadership

6. Strong Letters of Recommendation Graduate student applications require three letters, including one from the graduate program director. Executive and career program applications require support from CEO or senior executives, demonstrating organizational awareness and endorsement.

7. Academic Excellence For graduate student scholarships, official transcripts demonstrate academic performance. The Foundation values strong achievement in both undergraduate and graduate studies.

Recent Recipients and Success Stories

The Foundation awarded Dent and McGaw scholarships to 15 students in recent cycles, including students from prestigious programs such as:

• Boston College (Abel Yohannes)
• University of Pennsylvania (Aleia Manning)
• RUSH University (Bartosz Stefaniuk)
• Lamar University (Brendan Funesti)
• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Elizabeth Steckel)
• University of Michigan-Flint (Kaitlyn Rusinek)
• California State University, Long Beach (Katrina Watson)
• University of Missouri-Columbia (Lana Cristiani)
• University of South Carolina-Columbia (Makiyah Lewis)
• University of California (Manraj Dhillon)
• University of Wisconsin-Madison (Montel Montgomery)
• Johns Hopkins University (Morgan Moore)
• Louisiana State University (Susan Merritt)

One notable recipient demonstrated remarkable perseverance, bringing their GPA to 3.1 after initial struggles and going on to achieve significant accomplishments including:

• Serving as Digital Democracy Outreach for Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition
• Serving as Price Ambassador at USC
• Co-President for the Latinx Graduate Student Association
• Co-Director of Social Programming for the Price Latinx Student Association
• Research Assistant for USC Dornsife Center for Economic and Social Research (CESR) and the Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics
• Becoming a 2024 Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholar
• Receiving California Latino Legislative Caucus Foundation Scholarship (only 76 recipients chosen from 834 applicants across California)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Important Note: This is an individual scholarship funder, not an organizational grant maker. The Foundation does not provide grants to nonprofit organizations or institutions.

For healthcare professionals seeking scholarship funding:

• Early Preparation is Essential: Application windows are limited (typically 3 months), and comprehensive materials including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and detailed essays are required. Begin preparation well before the January opening.

• ACHE Membership Provides Advantage: While not always required, Student Associate or member status receives preference during selection. Consider joining ACHE before applying to strengthen your application.

• Financial Need Must Be Clearly Articulated: All programs prioritize applicants lacking organizational resources. Be specific about your financial circumstances and why organizational support is unavailable rather than providing vague statements.

• Demonstrate Long-Term Commitment to Healthcare Leadership: The Foundation seeks to invest in future healthcare leaders. Applications should show sustained commitment to the field through academic choices, volunteer work, professional engagement, and clear career trajectory.

• Target the Right Program for Your Career Stage: The Foundation offers programs for graduate students, early careerists (0-5 years), mid-career professionals (manager/director level), and senior leaders. Applying to the program aligned with your experience level increases success likelihood.

• Build Relationships with Recommenders: Strong letters of recommendation, particularly from graduate program directors or senior executives, carry significant weight. Ensure recommenders can speak specifically to your leadership potential and financial need.

• One Chance Per Scholarship: Previous recipients cannot reapply for the same scholarship. Make your application as strong as possible on the first attempt, addressing all essay components thoroughly and providing compelling evidence of your qualifications and need.

References

• Foundation of the American College of Healthcare Executives Official Website: https://www.ache.org/about-ache/the-fund (Accessed January 2026)
• The Fund for Healthcare Leadership: https://www.ache.org/about-ache/the-fund/fund-for-healthcare-leadership (Accessed January 2026)
• Albert W. Dent and Foster G. McGaw Graduate Student Scholarships: https://www.ache.org/membership/student-resources/dent-and-mcgaw-graduate-student-scholarship (Accessed January 2026)
• Career Accelerator Program: https://www.ache.org/about-ache/the-fund/fund-supported-programs/career-accelerator-program (Accessed January 2026)
• Stuart A. Wesbury Jr. Administrative Fellowship: https://www.ache.org/career-resource-center/special-groups/resources-for-students-and-early-careerists/wesbury-postgraduate-fellowship (Accessed January 2026)
• Executive Program Scholarships: https://www.ache.org/learning-center/education-and-events/events/single-session-events/ep2025/scholarships (Accessed January 2026)
• Graduate Student Scholarship Award Winners: https://www.ache.org/about-ache/news-and-awards/dent-and-mcgaw-graduate-student-scholarships/graduate-student-scholarship-award-winners (Accessed January 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Foundation of the American College of Healthcare Executives: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/360724325 (Accessed January 2026)
• Leadership and Team: https://www.ache.org/about-ache/our-story/leadership-and-team (Accessed January 2026)
• Deborah J. Bowen, FACHE, CAE Profile: https://www.ache.org/people/deborah-j-bowen-fache (Accessed January 2026)
• ACHE CEO Deborah Bowen Recognized as One of Modern Healthcare's Top Women Leaders: https://www.ache.org/about-ache/news-and-awards/news-releases/ache-ceo-deborah-bowen-recognized-as-one-of-modern-healthcares-top-women-leaders (Accessed January 2026)
• About ACHE: https://www.ache.org/about-ache (Accessed January 2026)