Introduction
The Emergency Medicine Foundation (EMF) is a US nonprofit organisation supporting research and education to improve emergency care. Its funding helps develop emergency medicine researchers, strengthen patient care and provide evidence for effective health policy.
For donors, EMF provides a specialised route to support emergency medicine research. For investigators, it offers competitive grants across several career stages, including medical students, residents and early career researchers.
History and Background
Founded in 1972
EMF was established in 1972 by leaders of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). It is recognised as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organisation, with a longstanding focus on advancing emergency medicine science and health policy.
The foundation reports awarding more than US$22 million in research grants over its history. Its published programmes show a continuing emphasis on both individual studies and the development of future research leaders.
Its website maintains current and past grantee listings, allowing donors and researchers to explore supported institutions, investigators and research topics.
Mission and Purpose
EMF’s mission connects three objectives: developing career emergency medicine researchers, improving patient care and supporting evidence-based health policy. Its vision is to be a principal sponsor of rigorous research and education benefiting acutely ill and injured patients.
Health Equity and Inclusion
The foundation also publishes a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Its statement supports research examining longstanding health and healthcare inequities affecting historically underserved racial and ethnic populations.
This broadens its research purpose beyond clinical questions to include differences in access, treatment and outcomes.
Governance and Structure
Board of Trustees
EMF is governed by a Board of Trustees. Its published leadership page lists Jon Mark Hirshon as chair, Christopher Baugh as chair-elect and Diana Nordlund as secretary-treasurer. The board includes emergency medicine clinicians and researchers, alongside liaison representation from the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine.
Scientific Review and Funding Decisions
For directed research grants, EMF describes a review process in which its Scientific Review Subcommittee scores proposals using NIH guidelines and recommends awards to the trustees. The board retains final approval, while the funding partner cannot participate in selecting or approving grantees.
This separates donor support from recipient selection within that programme.
Funding and Grants
Charitable Contributions
EMF accepts one-time and recurring donations, gifts in honour of others, non-cash contributions and gifts through wills or trusts. Its website also identifies corporate partners, individual donors, grant partners and support from ACEP.
Research Grant Eligibility
EMF’s grant FAQs state that funds can be provided only to US-based institutions, although international research may be supported through an eligible US institution. Funding is restricted to research, cannot support capital campaigns and does not allow indirect costs. Additional requirements depend on the individual grant.
Application Opportunities
The current application page lists investigator-initiated research, early career research development, pilot research, resident research, medical student research and health and wellbeing research opportunities. Applicants should consult each request for proposals for its award amount, eligibility and submission requirements.
Major Programs and Initiatives
Support Across Research Career Stages
EMF’s programme portfolio provides entry points for students and residents as well as researchers developing independent careers. Partnerships with organisations such as EMRA and the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Foundation support designated research awards.
Directed Research Partnerships
EMF works with corporations, federal agencies and professional medical organisations to develop directed research opportunities. Its published process includes defining research scope, issuing competitive calls, monitoring progress and communicating findings.
Researcher Development
The foundation also describes grantee workshops where funded researchers receive feedback from mentors, peers and NIH programme officers. These activities complement grant funding with guidance and professional connections.
Impact and Examples of Work Funded
Current Research Examples
The 2026–2027 grantee list includes a US$5,000, one-year award to Aaron Barrera-Alvarez at the University of California, Davis, examining point-of-care ultrasound and emergency department diagnostic workflow in critically ill patients.
It also lists Ann Arens at Ochsner Health Center, awarded US$9,742.20 for one year to study clot-breakdown assessment following tenecteplase administration for acute ischaemic stroke. These listings document funded research objectives rather than completed clinical benefits.
Career Development
In a published testimonial, researcher Michelle P. Lin credits EMF funding with providing time, mentorship and resources that helped her pursue an NIH career development award. This illustrates a potential contribution of early research funding, while remaining an individual account.
Conclusion
The Emergency Medicine Foundation combines research grants, scientific review and researcher development to advance emergency care. Its programmes offer donors opportunities to support specific studies and the people building the specialty’s evidence base.
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