Awards

Thank you for your interest in the Foundation’s Awards program. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers recognition awards, leadership recognition and education stipends to members and dietetic student members. The Foundation accepts applications these awards on an annual basis, although select award opportunities may be made available throughout the year. The number and monetary value of Foundation awards is determined by investment activity and fundraising efforts.

How to Apply

The Foundation accepts applications for most of its recognition, continuing education, program development, and international awards on an annual basis within the Foundation’s external, online application platform, linked below. Any person may apply for Foundation awards and will be given fair and protected-class-neutral consideration for an award.

The applications for select Foundation awards are currently available within our electronic application portal, linked below. Applications must be submitted electronically, within the platform, for consideration. Emailed and hard-copy versions of applications will not be accepted.

The Foundation is currently accepting applications for its 2025-2026 awards! Please visit our application portal for more details. Applications are due Monday, November 17, 2025 at 5:00 pm CT. Follow us on LinkedIn to get the latest updates.

Please note that the Foundation’s award and research grant application timing has shifted a few months earlier compared to previous years. After this cycle, applications will open again in fall 2026.

Click to Apply

Application Details

2025 Award Recipients

Please contact Foundation Program Manager at grants@eatright.org with questions.

Looking to Establish a Named Fund?

Foundation Scholarship and Fellowship Recipient: Lauren Au

Wimpfheimer-Guggenheim Essays

From 1993 to 2020, the Wimpfheimer-Guggenheim Fund for International Exchange in Nutrition, Dietetics and Management offered an annual essay competition to promote the exchange of dietetics information throughout the world.

Application Based Awards

Abbott Nutrition Award in Women’s Health
Recognition Award
Award amount: $2,000		 This award is given to recognize dietitians who make significant contributions to the importance of nutrition in women's health.
Abbott Nutrition Malnutrition Award
Recognition Award
Award amount: $2,000		 This award will recognize up to four Academy members on an annual basis working in a hospital setting who have made a significant contribution to improve awareness of malnutrition and taking action to address the issue. Up to four awards may be given.
Anita Owen Award of Recognition for Innovative Nutrition Education Programs for the Public
Recognition Award
Award amount: $1,000		 This award is given to encourage development of and recognize excellence in innovative and unique models for dietetics information and/or innovative services for delivery of nutrition education to the public. The number of awards given annually varies.
Barbara Ann F. Hughes Nutrition Policy, Advocacy and Education Award
Continuing Education Award
Award amount: $1,000		 This award is given to provide educational stipends for nutrition professionals on the subjects of policy initiatives and advocacy. Preference will be given to members of Nutrition Education for the Public DPG.
Commission on Dietetic Registration Faculty Fellowship Award
Educational Enhancement Award
Award amount: $10,000		 The purpose of this fund is to provide awards not to exceed $10,000 for individuals with doctoral degrees seeking to become RDNs.
Commission on Dietetic Registration Leadership Award
Continuing Education Award
Award amount: Up to $5,000		 The purpose of this fund is to provide financial support to RDs and DTRs to obtain leadership training. The training programs should prepare individuals to move into leadership positions within their organization. Up to four awards may be given.
Enhancing Practice through Commission on Dietetic Registration Certifications Award
Continuing Education Award
Award amount: Equivalent to the cost of the applicant's CDR certification exam		 This award serves to support stipend reimbursement for advancing the practice of current Registered Dietitians (RDs) and Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs). Stipends are available for RDs and RDNs pursuing a Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) credential for a CDR Advanced Practitioner Certification in Clinical Nutrition or for any CDR Board Certified Specialist Certifications.
E. Neige Todhunter Memorial Doctoral Award
Educational Enhancement Award
Award amount: $5,000		 This award is given to master prepared dietetics educators and practitioners to pursue doctoral studies. The number of awards given annually varies.
First International Nutritionist/Dietitian (FIND) Fellowship for Study in the USA
International Award; Educational Enhancement Award
Award amount: $2,200		 This award is given to assist foreign nationals who are pursuing postgraduate work in the USA and have a clearly articulated plan to return to their country. The number of awards given annually varies.
Food and Culinary Professionals Dietetic Practice Group Communications and Educational Award
Continuing Education Award
Award amount: Up to 75% of travel and conference expenses based on available funds; up to a $2,500 limit		 This award provides funding for food educational presentations made by a dietitian or dietetic technician as well as provide funding for culinary educational enrichment for a dietitian or dietetic technician. Funds are available for dietetic professionals new to their careers, as well as those who are seasoned and wish to expand their knowledge and experiences. The number of awards given annually varies.
Frederick Green Memorial Nutrition Communications Experience Award
Educational Enhancement Award
Award amount: $3,000		 This award supports nutrition and dietetics students in enhancing their capabilities and experience in nutrition communications, specifically related to media and public relations, through a paid experience with an RD member of the Academy specializing in these practice areas.

This award has a two-part application process:

1. Interested nutrition communications RDNs apply to serve as an experience provider.
2. Students and dietetic interns apply and rank their top choices.

The award recipient will be matched to one of their preferred experiences.
Gaynold Jensen Memorial Continuing Education Award
Continuing Education Award
Award amount: $1,500		 This award is given as scholarships to members of Dietetics in Health Care Communities DPG for educational programs that enhance the contributions of the consultant dietitian to health care. The number of awards given annually varies.
Gwendolyn Rossell Memorial Continuing Education Award
Continuing Education Award
Award amount: Up to 80% of estimated expenses, with a maximum of $1,000		 This award is given to members of the Public Health Nutrition DPG for short-term educational programs that enhance the contributions of public health nutritionists to health care. The number of awards given annually varies.
International Affiliate of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics International Project Award
International Award
Award amount: $2,500		 The purpose of this fund is to foster collaboration and the sharing of knowledge and skills among food and nutrition professionals in the international community. An award will be given to IAAND members who intend to work in partnership with another food or nutrition professional on a project that will benefit the local community of one of the individuals.
LaVerne and Edwin Domel Memorial Award
Program Development Award
Award amount: Up to $4,000		 This award supports programs and projects conducted by Disabilities MIG members focused on supporting individuals with long-lasting conditions and/or promoting disability inclusivity in the nutrition and dietetics profession.
Lenora Moragne Memorial Award
Program Development Award
Award amount: Up to $5,000		 This award provides financial support to a dietetics educator or preceptor enrolled in a doctoral study program for projects related to public policy and advocacy.
LuLu G. Graves Nutrition Education Award
Program Development Award
Award amount: Up to $1,000 each		 This award is given to support volunteer groups engaged in projects and programs of nutrition education for the public. Multiple awards may be given. The number of awards given annually varies.
Margene Wagstaff Award for Innovation in Dietetics Education
Recognition Award
Award amount: $5,000		 This award is given to recognize individuals who inspire entry-level dietetics professionals to pursue professional values.
Marianne Smith Edge, Expanding Knowledge in Agriculture and Food Systems Award
Continuing Education Award
Award amount: Up to $1,000		 This award provides financial support to RDNs to support training and educational opportunities to increase knowledge of the connection between agriculture and nutrition.
Marie and August LoPresti, Sr. Faculty Development Award
Continuing Education Award
Award amount: $1,000		 This award was established to recognize the LoPresti's contributions to the foodservice, hospitality and dietetics professions. It supplies continuing education funding for faculty of Ohio Universities and Colleges.
Mary Abbott Hess Award for Recognition of an Innovative Food/Culinary Effort
Recognition Award
Award amount: $2,000		 This award is given to encourage dietetics professionals to make original and innovative efforts in food and culinary education.
Mary C. Zahasky Memorial Continuing Education Award
Continuing Education Award
Award amount: Up to 70% of estimated expenses with a max of $250		 This award provides continuing education funding to Academy members for short-term educational programs related to the field of Dietetics, to widen, renew and elaborate professional development. The number of awards given annually varies.
Molly Kellogg Nutrition Counseling Award
Continuing Education Award
Award amount: Up to $1,000		 To advance counseling skills excellence in the dietetic profession by providing financial support to RDs and DTRs to pursue continuing education related to the nutrition counseling process.
Pittsburgh Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Leadership Development Award
Recognition Award; Educational Enhancement Award
Award amount: Up to $1,000 each		 This fund was established to recognize emerging leaders among students currently enrolled in a supervised practice programs and encourage their participation in Academy activities.
Professional Advancement Award
Continuing Education Award
Award amount: Up to $1,000		 This award supports continuing education efforts of registered dietitian nutritionists and nutrition and dietetics technicians, registered within their first five years of practice to expand their leadership skills in practice and professional responsibilities.
Rebecca Snowball Reeves Continuing Education Award
Continuing Education Award
Award amount: Up to $1,000		 This award provides educational stipends for dietetics professionals working in the area of obesity.
Ruby P. Puckett & Elizabeth Frakes Food Management Continuing Education Award
Continuing Education Award
Award amount: Up to $2,000		 This award provides funding for a Management in Food and Nutrition Systems member for continuing professional education credit to assist qualified professionals' attendance at the Academy's Food and Nutrition Conference & Expo or another conference of professional interest related to food and nutrition management. Up to two awards may be given.
Susan T. Borra Advancing Food and Nutrition Communications Fellowship Award
Educational Enhancement Award
Award amount: $2,500 for the fellowship recipient and up to $500 for the fellowship site in reimbursement of fellowship-related expenses		 This award supports deserving individuals in enhancing their capabilities and experience in the area of nutrition communications in a food environment (e.g. food and beverage companies, commodity groups, trade associations, public relations and marketing firms, etc.).

The recipient of this award will be matched with a nutrition communications RDN working in the food environment for a short-term fellowship experience.
Washington State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Educational Award
Continuing Education Award
Award amount: Up to 75% of the combined registration fee and travel expenses occurred based on available funds; up to $1,000		 This award is given to provide funding for professional educational enrichment for a dietitian or dietetic technician. Applicant must be a member of the Academy and the Washington State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for at least three years. The number of awards given annually varies.
Wimpfheimer-Guggenheim Resource Grant for International Dietitians
International Award
Award amount: Varies, most awards are under $300		 The purpose of this award is to provide small amounts of funding for dietitians from other countries to purchase Academy resources to support their dietetics practice.

Other Foundation Awards

Edna and Robert Langholz International Nutrition Award
International Award or Fellowship
Award amount: $25,000		 This award aims to recognize an individual for his or her outstanding contribution to the field of nutrition and to help increase the stature and image of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics worldwide.

Nominations only
Elaine R. Monsen Award for Outstanding Research Literature
Recognition Award
Award amount: Statue only, valued at $500		 This award is given to recognize an outstanding body of research literature in the field of dietetics, food and nutrition.

Published author selected by committee.
Food and Culinary Professionals Dietetic Practice Group & Academy Foundation Speakers Bureau Award
Continuing Education Award
Award amount: $2,000		 The purpose of this grant is to fund a speaker bureau for affiliates or groups interested in providing a speaker for an educational event or address food and culinary issues. The speaker bureau is funded by the FCP DPG through the Academy Foundation, which will award five grants per year. Deadline: Check back later for details.

Published author selected by committee. For more information, visit www.foodculinaryprofs.org.
Margaret Dullea Simko Award for Excellence at a Clinical Poster Session
Recognition Award
Award amount: Winner - $300, Runner-up - $150		 This award recognizes quality poster sessions at FNCE® and encourages high quality poster session admissions in the future. The pre-selected top five clinical posters will be judged during the FNCE® poster session. The winners will be determined at FNCE®. The first place winner will receive $300 and a complimentary ticket to the Foundation Gala. If funds allow, the first runner-up will be awarded $150 and a complimentary ticket to the Foundation Gala.

Recipient selected from FNCE® poster session.
Mary P. Huddleson Memorial Award
Recognition Award
Award amount: $1,000		 This award is given to recognize an outstanding article published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics during the previous year. Nominations submitted through the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Nominations only.
Outstanding Preceptor Award
Recognition Award
Award amount: Up to $1,000 each		 At the request of the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation now funds six awards on behalf of the Nutrition and Dietetic Educators and Preceptors group to recognize preceptors who are exemplary educators and mentors. Six awardees (one from each geographic region) will receive registration and support (up to $1,000) to attend FNCE® supported by the Academy's Foundation. The recipients are also recognized at the Academy Member Showcase and the NDEP Member Meetings at FNCE®.

Nominations only. For more information, contact NDEP.

2025 Award and Fellowship Recipients

Abbott Nutrition Award in Women's Health
Funded by Abbott Nutrition

  • Recipient: Kerri Lynn Knippen, PhD, RDN, LD, BC-ADM, FAND

Abbott Nutrition Malnutrition Award 
Funded by Abbott Nutrition

  • Recipients:
    • Elif Aysin, PhD, RDN, LD
    • Dede T. Kwadjo, MPhil, RD
    • Stacy Pelekhaty, MS, RDN, LDN, CNSC

Anita Owen Award of Recognition for Innovative Nutrition Education Programs for the Public
Funded by Anita Owen, MA, RD

  • Recipient: Jessica Rea, MS, RDN, LD

Barbara Ann F. Hughes Nutrition Policy, Advocacy and Education Award
Funded by Barbara Ann F. Hughes, PhD, MPH, RDN, LDN, FADA, FAND

  • Recipient: Jessica Rea, MS, RDN, LD

Commission on Dietetic Registration Faculty Fellowship Award
Funded by the Commission on Dietetic Registration

  • Recipients:
    • Joni M. Boyd, PhD, CSCS,*D
    • Yaa Asantewaa Kafui Klu, PhD, MPH, RDN, CPH

Commission on Dietetic Registration Leadership Award
Funded by the Commission on Dietetic Registration

  • Recipients:
    • Linda White Gray, MPH, RDN
    • Iliana Guerra Martinez, MHA, RD, LD, CDCES

Distinguished Lecture
Presented at FNCE® 2026 and funded by the Greater Cleveland Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

  • Lecturer: Robert Earl, MPH, RDN, FAND

E. Neige Todhunter Memorial Doctoral Fellowship
Funded by a bequest of Dr. E. Neige Todhunter, PhD

  • Recipients:
    • Dema Halasa Esper, MS, RDN, LD
    • Robin Danowski, MS, RD, LDN

Elaine R. Monsen Award for Outstanding Research Literature
Funded by family, friends, and associates of Elaine Monsen, PhD, RD

  • Recipient: Sachiko Tokunaga St. Jeor, PhD, RDN, FADA, FAND, FASN, FSBM, FTOS, FAHA

First International Nutritionist/Dietitian (FIND) Fellowship for Study in the USA
Funded by Alice A. Wimpfheimer, MS, RDN, CDN

  • Recipients:
    • Rupal Shah Dantara, MS, RDN, CDE
    • Dzigbodi Akossiwa Gbenyedzi, CDM, CFPP
    • Hoang Tong, MPH, RDN
    • Sampanna Maharjan, MS

Food and Culinary Professionals DPG Communications and Educational Award
Funded by the Food and Culinary Professionals Dietetic Practice Group

  • Recipient: Paula J. Martin, MS, RDN, LDN

Frederick Green Memorial Nutrition Communications Experience Award
Funded by Neva Cochran, MS, RDN, LD, FAND

  • Recipient: Lauren Charlton, MS, RDN

Gaynold Jensen Memorial Continuing Education Award
Funded by friends and associates of Gaynold Jensen, RD and the Board of the Dietetics in Health Care Communities Dietetic Practice Group

  • Recipients: 
    • Nikki Beckwith, MA, RD, CDN
    • Krista M. Clark, MBA, RD, LD, CD, CSG, FAND

Gwendolyn Rossell Memorial Continuing Education Award
Funded by the Public Health and Community Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group

  • Recipient: Cindy M. Brison, RDN

Lenora Moragne Memorial Award
Funded by the Estate of Lenora Moragne, PhD, MS, RDN

  • Recipient: Cindy Kanarek Culver, MS, RDN, LD

Lulu G. Graves Nutrition Education Award
Funded by the Greater Cleveland Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

  • Recipient: Laura B. Frank, PhD, RDN

Marie and August LoPresti, Sr. Faculty Development Award
Funded by the relatives, friends, and associates of Mr. and Mrs. LoPresti

  • Recipient: Wan Shen, PhD, RDN

Mary Abbott Hess Award for Recognition of an Innovative Food/Culinary Effort
Funded by Mary Abbott Hess, LHD, MS, RDN, LDN, FAND

  • Recipient: Nicole L. Becklem, MS, RDN

Mary P. Huddleson Memorial Award
Funded by the friends and associates of Ruby W. Linn

  • Recipient: Lisa Harnack, DrPH, MPH, RDN

Molly Kellogg Nutrition Counseling Award
Funded by Molly Kellogg, RD, LCSW

  • Recipient: Caitlin McKenna, PSM, RDN

Outstanding Preceptor Award
Funded by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation

  • Recipients:
    • North East: Elizabeth Silverthorne, DCN, RDN
    • North Central: Hanna L. Kelley, RDN, LD
    • South East: Amy Bilbo, MS, RD, CSO, LD
    • South Central: Allison Taormina, RDN, LDN, CDCES
    • West Central: Shann R. Holt, MS, RDN
    • West Coast: Amanda Allen, MS, RD, CSSD, CNSC, FAND

Pittsburgh Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Leadership Development Award
Funded by Judith L. Dodd, MS, RDN, LDN, FAND

  • Recipients: 
    • Hannah Jarvis 
    • Rebecca Montgomery
    • Elizabeth Pangia

Rebecca Snowball Reeves Continuing Education Award
Funded by the Weight Management Dietetic Practice Group and Rebecca Snowball Reeves, DrPH, RD, FAND

  • Recipient: Esi Y. Quaidoo, MPhil, RDN, LDN

Ruby P. Puckett/Elizabeth Frakes Food Management Continuing Education Award
Funded by the Management in Food and Nutrition Systems Dietetic Practice Group

  • Recipients:
    • Alice Ann Bones-Gonzalez, DHA, RDN, FAND
    • Levin Dotimas, MS, RDN, CD

Susan T. Borra Advancing Food and Nutrition Communications Fellowship Award
Funded by the Susan T. Borra, RD

  • Recipient: Kelsey Catalano, MA

Washington State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Educational Award
Funded by the Washington State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

  • Recipient: Melissa Molloy, MS, RDN, CD

Wimpfheimer-Guggenheim International Lecture
Funded by Alice A. Wimpfheimer, MS, RDN, CDN

  • 2025 Wimpfheimer-Guggenheim International Lecture: Putting Global Child School Nutrition on the Map, Literally
  • Lecturers: 
    • Heidi Kessler, MS, SNS
    • Donna Martin, EdS, RDN, SNS