[American College of Sports Medicine Foundation](https://www.acsm.org/foundation)

April 4, 2025 | March 13, 2026

$5,000; one award annually; includes complimentary tickets to ACSM Annual Meeting events.

Recognizes mid-career leaders for outstanding contributions to women’s health, sport, and physical activity.

Applicants must be ACSM national members in good standing before applying.

--- ## Description The Drinkwater Leadership Award in Women’s Health, Sport & Physical Activity honors mid-career professionals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing women’s health, sport, and physical activity. The award is named after Dr. Barbara L. Drinkwater, a pioneering leader in the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) whose career was dedicated to improving girls’ and women’s health and performance. Supported by the Women’s Health, Sport & Physical Activity Fund, this annual award recognizes impactful research, clinical care, or other work focused primarily on women. --- ## Due Dates - April 4, 2025: Submission deadline for 2025 award (full application) - March 13, 2026: Submission deadline for 2026 award (full application) All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates. --- ## Funding Amount - $5,000 cash award to one recipient annually - Complimentary tickets to the ACSM Annual Meeting, including the Josephine L. Rathbone & Barbara L. Drinkwater Named Lecture and the Honors reception --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be ACSM national members in good standing prior to applying (chapter-only membership is not sufficient). - Open to mid-career researchers, clinicians, and certified professionals. - Applicants must demonstrate exceptional leadership in women’s health, sport, and physical activity, through research, clinical care, or other significant work primarily benefiting women. - Consideration is given to nontraditional nominees demonstrating leadership in women’s sport, reflecting Dr. Drinkwater’s legacy. - Some calls specify applicants must be female; confirm with program guidelines if this applies for the current cycle. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted online via the [ACSM Application Portal](https://acsm.secure-platform.com/site/). - ACSM membership is required at the time of application. - The winner is required to attend the Josephine L. Rathbone & Barbara L. Drinkwater Named Lecture at the ACSM Annual Meeting and is encouraged to attend the ACSM Honors reception. - Supporting documents (e.g., CV, leadership statement, references) may be required; review the application form for details. - For any questions, contact the ACSM Foundation (see below). --- ## Additional Information - The award is supported by donations to the Women’s Health, Sport & Physical Activity Fund. - The awardee is encouraged to volunteer for ACSM committees or activities related to women’s health and sport. - The award is considered taxable income under U.S. federal tax law if total awards from ACSM exceed $600 in a calendar year. --- ## External Links - [Program Page & Application Instructions](https://acsm.org/altai-pages/member-hub/career-resources/grant-travel-award-applications/drinkwater/) - [ACSM Foundation Funding Opportunities](https://acsm.org/foundation/funding/leadership-training-awards/) - [ACSM Membership Information](https://acsm.org/membership/join/) - [ACSM Application Portal](https://acsm.secure-platform.com/site/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------| | ACSM Foundation | [foundation@acsm.org](mailto:foundation@acsm.org) | | Phone | 317-637-9200 | | Funder Information | [ACSM Foundation Leadership](https://www.acsm.org/foundation/about/leadership) | ---

Drinkwater Leadership Award in Women’s Health, Sport & Physical Activity

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