Purpose
The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Foundation (ASESF) Mission Outreach Grant Program is established to support high-quality, sustainable humanitarian efforts focused on shoulder and elbow care worldwide.
The program aims to:
- Expand access to specialized upper extremity surgical care in underserved regions
- Support ASES members and affiliated teams participating in established mission programs
- Promote education, sustainability, and longitudinal patient care
- Encourage collaboration with local healthcare systems and industry partners
Scope of Funding
ASESF Mission Outreach Grants are intended to provide financial support to individuals or groups participating in pre-existing, structured mission trips that align with the Foundation’s goals.
The ASES Foundation mission program and funding levels are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the ASES Foundation.
Funding may be used for:
- Travel and lodging expenses
- Surgical supplies and implants
- Educational materials and training support
- Infrastructure support directly related to shoulder/elbow care delivery
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. Professional Qualifications- Member (including Corresponding Member) of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), or
- Surgeon sponsored by an ASES member
- Participation in an established mission program with demonstrated infrastructure
- Missions must not be de novo or exploratory in nature
- The role of the grant awardee should be predominantly focused on shoulder and/or elbow conditions
Core Funding Criteria
- Clinical Focus
- Clear emphasis on shoulder and elbow pathology
- Established Infrastructure
- Existing, recurring mission platform with local partnerships
- Sustainability and Follow-Up
- Structured plan for post-operative care
- Local provider engagement and communication
- Educational Impact
- Teaching and capacity-building efforts
- Industry Collaboration (Encouraged)
- Ethical partnerships supporting implants, instrumentation, or logistics
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- Applicant information and CV
- Mission description and history
- Clinical plan and estimated case volume
- Infrastructure description
- Follow-up and sustainability plan
- Budget and justification
- Industry support plan (if applicable)
- Letter of support
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by the ASESF Member-Centered Initiatives Committee based on:
- Alignment with Foundation mission
- Infrastructure and sustainability strength
- Clinical and educational impact
- Feasibility
Priority may be given to first-time applicants, longitudinal programs, and strong educational missions
Funding Amount and Distribution
Grant amounts will vary based on scope and available funding. Funding is available for a maximum of $10,000 per application.
Funds may be distributed directly to the applicant or to the sponsoring organization
Reporting Requirements
Recipients must submit a report within 60–90 days including:
- Summary of activities and procedures, including a testimonial and photographs.
- Outcomes and complications
- Educational efforts
- Follow-up success
- Financial accounting
Ethical and Professional Standards
All funded activities must:
- Adhere to ethical patient care standards
- Respect local systems and culture
- Ensure informed consent
- Comply with ASES/ASESF conflict-of-interest policies
Program Oversight and Review
ASESF will:
- Review program outcomes periodically
- Adjust priorities based on impact
- Encourage long-term global partnerships
ASESF Mission Outreach Grant – Reviewer Scoring Rubric
1. Clinical Focus (0–5 points)
0 = Not shoulder/elbow focused
3 = Mixed but adequate focus
5 = Strong, clearly defined shoulder/elbow emphasis
2. Infrastructure & Feasibility (0–5 points)
0 = Unclear or de novo mission
3 = Some infrastructure present
5 = Well-established program with reliable facilities and partnerships
3. Sustainability & Follow-Up (0–5 points)
0 = No follow-up plan
3 = Limited follow-up strategy
5 = Robust, clearly defined follow-up with local provider involvement
4. Educational Impact (0–5 points)
0 = No educational component
3 = Some teaching planned
5 = Strong capacity-building and local training focus
5. Industry Collaboration (0–3 points)
0 = None or unclear
1 = Proposed but not defined
3 = Well-structured, ethical partnership
6. Overall Impact & Alignment with ASESF Mission (0–7 points)
0 = Poor alignment
3 = Moderate alignment
7 = Exceptional impact and alignment
Total Score (0–30 points)
27–30: Highly Competitive
22–26: Competitive
16–21: Consider with reservations
<16: Not recommended
