Frequently Asked Questions

How can I verify my program is accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)?

Visit the CHEA Program Directory  determine whether your program is accredited.

If I am not a member of AHIMA but am enrolled in a program accredited by CHEA, can I still apply for an AHIMA Foundation doctoral grant?

No. All applicants must be active members or student members of AHIMA.

• To apply for AHIMA membership, visit www.ahima.org/membership for more information. After submitting your membership application and fee, and upon receiving your membership identification number, you are then eligible to apply for a doctoral grant.
• If you are a veteran or the spouse of a veteran, the Walter Reed Society will sponsor the cost of your AHIMA student membership. Email info@ahimafoundation.org for more information about this new opportunity!

Does my dissertation proposal needed to be defended?

Yes. We ask you to provide a letter written by your school confirming that you are a doctoral candidate in good standing and that your proposal has been successfully defended/accepted by the institution. The inability to provide this letter will make the application incomplete.

How do I send my completed application to AHIMA Foundation?

Candidates should email their complete application to info@ahimafoundation.org, with the Subject: Application: AHIMA Foundation Doctoral Grant Program. More information on the application requirements can be found in the Doctoral Grant Program Guidelines.

How do I verify if my application has been received?

You will receive an e-mail verification within 2 business days of your application submission.

How do I verify if my application is complete?

You will receive an e-mail verification follow-up once your application has been reviewed for completion.

When are recipients notified about doctoral grant awards?

Grant recipients will be notified in August of the current awards cycle. Notification letters are e-mailed to all applicant emails listed on the application.

How are grant funds distributed?

Awards will be distributed directly to the candidate. Candidates will need to submit an ACH form and a W9 to the Foundation. Payment cannot be issued until these documents are received.

Who funds AHIMA Foundation's doctoral grant program?

Grants for the next generation of health information professionals are made possible by generous donations. Consider making a tax-deductible donation to support this program at ahimafoundation.org/make-a-donation/.

Grant Application Tips

1. Review eligibility criteria carefully.  
Please email info@ahimafoundation.org, if you have questions about eligibility.

2. Follow instructions closely.

If you have questions about the application process, please reach out to info@ahimafoundation.org and our staff will be happy to assist.

3. Do not miss the deadline.

Applications submitted after May 31st will not be accepted.

4. Double check that all required information is included.

Applications will be ineligible if any information is missing. Use the following Checklist:

1. Application PDF
   • Title page
   • Essay questions
   • CV/ Resume
   • Confirmation letter
2. Dissertation Proposal PDF

5. Write compelling essays.

This will be the first information reviewed by our committee, you want to excite them and keep them reading. Closely follow character counts- if character counts are exceeded your application will be ineligible.

5. Make sure you receive a confirmation email.

If you have not received a confirmation email within 2 business days of submission, please email info@ahimafoundation.org or call the office at 312-233-1131.

6. Reach out for help!

AHIMA Foundation staff is here to help you. Email us at info@ahimafoundation.org with any questions.