Frequently asked questions

What is the Edwards Lifesciences educational grant review process?

Funding requests are reviewed and considered by Edwards Lifesciences Medical Affairs Departments and respective grant review committees using objective criteria to ensure that funding is provided based solely on the merits of the program and not as an inducement to further Edwards’ commercial interests. Edwards receives many requests for funding and only a small percentage receive support. If approved, educational grants may be in an amount that is less than the amount requested. All funding is awarded at Edwards Lifesciences’ sole discretion.

What does Edwards Lifesciences consider when reviewing educational grant requests?

Edwards Lifesciences will only provide educational grants to those programs and/or events that are organized by established medical, scientific and/or professional associations and societies, accredited medical education providers or other organizations with genuine medical education functions. Edwards Lifesciences does not provide educational grants to individual healthcare professionals, such as a physician, or a group of individual physicians, such as group practice.

Does my request for educational grant funding have to be an accredited CME/CE event?

No, while Edwards Lifesciences would prefer to provide educational grant funding to CME-accredited programs, Edwards Lifesciences will also consider providing funding to educational programs focused on educating health care providers in areas of interest to Edwards and which are independently controlled and organized.

What types of programs and/or events are considered for grant funding?

Edwards Lifesciences will consider funding requests for independent educational programs and/or events that support and/or promote scientific knowledge, medical education, medical advancement, delivery of effective healthcare, education of patients or the public about important healthcare topics, or the medical education of medical students, residents or fellows that are aligned with structural heart disease or critical care monitoring.

What types of programs and/or events will Edwards Lifesciences not support?

Edwards Lifesciences will not provide medical education grants:

• To individual physicians or group practices
• That are intended to directly and commercially promote Edwards products
• For activities that have already occurred
• That are conducted outside the United States to educate non-U.S. clinicians
• For investigator-initiated studies or other research projects, which are reviewed through a different process
• For capital campaigns, building projects, equipment procurement
• For service contracts
• For events that are recreational or for general entertainment (e.g., holiday parties, retirement celebrations, etc.)
• For events that are celebrations of Edwards therapies
• For exhibit/display opportunities, which are reviewed through a different process
• For the distribution of textbooks
• For journal clubs
• For clinician travel or registration fees to attend medical conferences

What does Edwards Lifesciences consider during the review process for fellowships?

Edwards Lifesciences will consider providing fellowship funding in order to defray the expenses of one or more medical professionals-in-training. All funding requests for fellowship support should have established criteria for potential fellowship recipients and the independent selection of fellowship recipients; Edwards Lifesciences may have no influence or control over the selection of fellowship recipients. If fellowship funding is approved, funding may only be used to cover reasonable stipend/salary and textbooks for the recipient, and may not be used to cover expenses for medical equipment, or any fellow’s overhead expenses, such as medical license fees, or to cover the sponsor’s administrative costs (e.g., overhead). Edwards Lifesciences will only provide fellowship funding to those organizations that are universities, medical schools, and or not-for-profit organizations that are tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

What guidelines and/or regulations does Edwards Lifesciences follow when considering funding requests?

Edwards Lifesciences adheres to all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations in its review and approval of funding requests. In addition, Edwards Lifesciences is a proud supporter of the Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed) Code of Ethics on Interactions with Healthcare Professionals. Educational grants also (a) must comport with internal Edwards Lifesciences’ compliance policies, (b) must adhere to the requirements of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) if program is CME-accredited, and (c) must be independently controlled and organized.

What if my request is for a charitable donation?

The Edwards Lifesciences Foundation is the primary resource for all Edwards’ philanthropy. Information about the Foundation can be found on the Edwards website at this link http://www.edwards.com/aboutus/corporategiving. However, from time-to-time Edwards Lifesciences will support modest requests for charitable contributions (monetary or in-kind) from bona fide charitable organizations that are tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The contribution must be in support of the charity’s stated mission and be tax deductible by Edwards.

How long will it take to process my funding request?

Edwards Lifesciences makes every attempt to review funding requests in a timely manner, typically within six (6) to eight (8) weeks. All Edwards’ funding, if approved, must be evidenced by a written agreement executed by both parties.

If my funding request is approved, how long will it take to receive payment?

Payments are processed only upon receipt of a fully executed agreement and typically received within forty five (45) days thereafter.

What documentation is required for all types of external funding requests?

1. Request Letter
2. Agenda
3. Needs Assessment/Proposal
4. Budget
5. W-9

What documentation may be required to close out all approved educational grants?

1. Proof of Performance
2. Budget Reconciliation (if required in your grant agreement)

What are acceptable types of proof of performance?

Acceptable types of proof of performance would be one or more of the following:
1. An Outcomes Report including Program/Event attendee survey results or other Program/Event statistics such as (a) learners gains and remaining gaps, (b) learner participation, or (c) names or other information about Program/Event attendees
2. Photographic evidence (link to website where Program/Event photos are posted is acceptable), where permitted by privacy laws
3. One or more receipts associated with the funded Program/Event, documenting an actual expenditure (Example: receipt for audio visual equipment rental expense)

What are required elements in an outcomes report?

Outcomes reports must contain:

• Unique grant identification number and name of requesting organization
• Program/ Activity title
• Date and Location of Program/Event
• Activity URL, if applicable
• Amount of Edwards Support
• Program/Event Learning Objectives
• Event Learner participation (anticipated vs actual)
• Event Learners gains and remaining gaps (pre and post test questions)