The Dicey Scroggins Fund for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Gynecologic Cancer Patient Outreach
Dicey Scroggins, an ovarian cancer survivor
and well-known patient advocate in the gynecologic cancer community is revered and celebrated for her devotion to the concepts of global health equity and bridging the gap between clinical care and patient experience.
She was also the founder of IGCS’ global patient advocacy network (IGCAN). To carry on Dicey’s work, honor her legacy, and reinforce IGCS’ commitment to global heath equity, we have established this fund in her name to reward and support those who share this vision and are actively working to achieve it.
Outreach programs and research that support equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) often require small, local, and hands-on solutions to be effective. We want to continue to build up, recognize, and support IGCS members and IGCANetwork partners in their work through opportunities such as this fund.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Equity, diversity, and inclusion are three closely linked values held by the IGCS and IGCANetwork. We uphold these values through our programming, collaborations, and communications aimed to include, listen to, and support different groups of individuals, including people of different races, ethnicities, socio-economic positions, religions, abilities, genders, and sexual orientations.
While low resource countries bear the largest cancer burdens, inequities in health and cancer care exist among different population groups within all nations, regardless of a country’s status as low-, middle- or high-income. There are a variety of systemic reasons why individuals with lower socio-economic positions have higher risks for poor health.
Equity
The fair distribution of resources, opportunities, and benefits, aiming to reduce and eliminate health disparities among different population groups. It involves identifying and addressing systemic barriers and structural inequalities that contribute to health inequities.
Diversity
The inclusion of individuals from different backgrounds and experiences, fostering a range of perspectives and ideas to inform decision-making and problem-solving in global health initiatives
Inclusion
to commit to ensure those of diversity feel welcome and included, to foster a sense of belonging and integration
Grant Eligibility
Eligible candidates are currently conducting (or planning) projects that embrace diversity, seek equitable solutions, and/or strive for inclusion of disparate groups affected by gynecological cancers. This may include field work, programming, research and/or opportunities for patient and/or community outreach to improve quality of life and/or access to care or support. The scope of the project may be large (international initiatives), small (community-based), or anywhere in between.
Demonstrating our values of diversity and inclusion in this grant selection process, the description of eligible projects has purposely been left open to interpretation. We encourage the submission of a variety of project requests benefiting patients directly or indirectly.
Grant Budget and Selection Process
Grants will be awarded through this funding mechanism annually. The selection committee may decide to award the full amount available in that year to one project or to divide the fund among multiple recipients. Decisions regarding the allocation of the funds will be made at the discretion of the review and selection committee.
Applications will be reviewed and scored by select members of the IGCS Advocacy Committee (the selection committee). During October, applicants may be selected to participate in an interview before the selection committee’s final decision. Additional information regarding the funding needs and project budgets of the applicants may be requested by the selection committee after the initial application review. Barring any unresolved issues with applications, grantees will be notified of their status early in November.
How to Apply
Download the application form (Word document) by clicking the button below and complete the prompts. Once you have filled out each section, save the document for your records and upload the file here. If you have questions or need assistance, please email Mary Eiken at mary.eiken@igcs.org.
Grant Submission Deadline
October 2 at 11:59 PM CDT (Chicago)
October 3 at 5:00 PM UTC (Universal Coordinated Time)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I am eligible to apply for this fund?
Demonstrating our values of diversity and inclusion in this grant selection process, the description of eligible projects has purposely been left open to interpretation. We encourage the submission of a variety of project requests benefiting patients directly or indirectly. See the eligibility section above.
If you are not sure if you are eligible, please email mary.eiken@igcs.org with details about your project.
What criteria will the selection committee use to score applications and make decisions?
The committee will receive a standardized scoring sheet to score/rank each application based on the overall quality of the project narrative communicated in the application, the potential impact of the project, and the ability of the project to meet the objectives of equity, diversity, and inclusion for the benefit of patients.
After individual scores/rankings are compiled and calculated, the selection committee will review the overall scores and discuss each application. The committee may request additional information from select applicants to facilitate decision making.
Final decisions will be made at the discretion of the selection committee, taking information from the scoring sheets, committee discussions, and applicant interviews (if applicable) into consideration.
When will applicants learn the status of their application?
During the month of October, applicants may be selected to participate in an interview prior to the selection committee’s final decision. Additional information regarding the funding needs and project budgets of the applicants may be requested by the selection committee after the initial application review. Barring any unresolved issues with applications, grantees will be notified of their status early in November.
When will the funding be awarded and how long is the period of performance for the grant?
Funding will be distributed early November 2023. The period of performance during which the awardee may incur new obligations to carry out the work authorized under the grant is 12 months. The 12-month grant period begins on the date that the funding is awarded.
Will the recipients be required to provide interim reporting and budget reconciliation?
Yes. An interim report will be due 6 months after allocation (approximately July 1, 2024) and a final report will be due 30 days after the end of the funding cycle (approximately January 30, 2025) that includes a budget reconciliation.
How many recipients will you choose?
There is no set number of grants that will be awarded. Decisions regarding the allocation of funds will be made at the discretion of the selection committee. They may choose to fund one project or distribute the fund among multiple projects.
|
We are pleased to offer this funding opportunity with the support of AstraZeneca and GSK |