Investing in the next generation of women in medicine though scholarships, research, and charitable initiatives.
The Medical Women of Canada Foundation (MWCF) is the charitable arm of the Federation of Medical Women of Canada. Incorporated in 2015, the Foundation is responsible for administering the historic Maude Abbott Funds. Our mission is to support women in medicine through financial assistance, research funding, and initiatives that advance equity in healthcare.
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History ~ A Legacy of Support
Dr. Maude Abbott (1868-1940) was one of the founding members of the FMWC in 1924. She was a world-renowned pathologist and her Atlas of Congenital Heart Disease cemented her stature internationally. She is celebrated in the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame.
When she died in 1940, she bequeathed part of her estate to the FMWC to establish a fund to support female medical students. At first a Loan Fund, the student funds were converted to a Scholarship Fund in the 1980s. The Research Fund was added in the 1990s to assist women physicians who were involved with research in women’s health and about women physicians. FMWC members have continued to donate to the Fund ever since.
The Medical Women of Canada Foundation (MWCF) was incorporated in 2015, under the Canada NFP (Not For Profit) Corporation Act. The legislation required organizations to separate their advocacy from their charitable activities. Responsibility for administering the funds was then transferred from the Federation to the Foundation.. The Foundation continues to generate donation receipts approved by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
Why Your Support Matters
Financial pressures on medical students remain high, and research focused on women’s health or women physicians’ professional experiences is still underfunded. The Foundation only solicits funds from FMWC members. Your contribution helps:
- Provide scholarships to women pursuing medical careers
- Fund research that advances women’s health and addresses challenges faced by women physicians
- Promote equity and opportunity in Canadian healthcare
Every donation generates a charitable receipt approved by the CRA, and every gift has a tangible impact on women’s careers and patient care.
Help make a difference
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Structure
The Foundation has its own governance structure, with its own Board of Directors, Bylaws and Committees. Administrative support is provided by the FMWC National Office.
Donations
All donations received by the Foundation are applied to the Maude Abbott funds and generate charitable donation receipts.
Merchandise
The Foundation occasionally offers items for purchase, with proceeds supporting the Maude Abbott Funds. Currently available: the FMWC 100th Anniversary scarf, designed by Dr. Janet Dollin. All purchases include a charitable receipt.
Shop MerchandiseWhat We Fund
The Foundation administers two named funds, from which grants are awarded annually.
The Maude Abbott Research Fund: provides funding for research projects involving women’s health and women physicians’ issues. Over the years, projects have ranged from “Breast cancer in black women” to “Imposter syndrome in female surgeons”. In exceptional situations, they have also supported the production of the documentary film: “Dr May Cohen: The Gender Lady” and the FMWC 100th Anniversary Projects in 2024.