Giving Circle for the Advancement of Women (GCAW) Award

Applicants must meet four criteria to be eligible to apply for the GCAW award. These criteria are in place for the 2025-2026 calendar years and open to change based on GCAW Founding Circle and Legacy Circle discussion and the availability for the SIR Foundation staff to implement.

Applicants must be citizens of the United States or Canada or those who have permanent resident status
therein

• Permanent residents must submit documentation of their status. 
• An exception can be made if an applicant is at an institution in the U.S. or Canada and is on a visa, a letter will be required from the department chair guaranteeing completion of the project. 

Active SIR member. MD, DO, PhD, or PhD equivalent. Identify as a woman.

How to apply

Applicants will submit their award applications online through our dedicated portal. The application process includes providing personal, professional and academic information, a personal statement outlining their leadership goals, a course description and summary of total costs of the course, and letters of recommendation. All applications will be reviewed by the selection committee.

Review process

SIR Foundation staff review eligibility of applicants. Founding Circle members score blinded applications and present them to all GCAW Circle members. GCAW members will vote on one or more opportunities to fund for the cycle. GCAW awardees will be informed on October 1, 2025. After completion of program, recipient(s) will share with GCAW their experience either in-person at the SIR Annual Scientific Meeting or at the virtual meeting.