The scientific and clinical research to be funded will be selected by a Medical Advisory Board appointed by OHF’s Board of Directors. OHF intends to seek applicants for medical research grants upon funding reaching approximately $200,000. The scientific and clinical studies to be funded will be selected by a Medical Advisory Board, consisting of medical professionals specializing in Pediatrics, Pediatric Cardiology and Pediatric Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. Currently, Emile Bacha, MD has been appointed Chair of the Medical Advisory Board.

A grant application process will be used to select grant recipients. Grant applications received from researchers will be evaluated by the Medical Advisory Board based upon a number of criteria, including relevance of the research to OHF’s mission. The recipient of any grant from OHF must use the funds awarded for the specific purpose for which they were originally intended. All grants will be made only to non-profit, federally tax-exempt qualified organizations.

Olivia’s Heart Fund has determined that the grant process, directed by a Medical Advisory Board, is the most effective way to reach and fund critical research. Our goal is to reach out to scientists and surgeons in the field who are conducting promising research vital to decreasing the mortality rate of infants and children with CHD and the prevalence of CHD. Due to lack of critical funding, researchers, doctors, and surgeons are not able to make progress quickly. Funding by OHF will help these researchers to conduct the studies and have the data necessary to then apply for larger grants with organizations such as the NIH, American Heart Association, etc so that advancements can be made.