Foster G. McGaw Prize

Apply now for the 2027 AHA Foster G. McGaw Prize

The American Hospital Association is accepting applications through May 5 for the 2027 Foster G. McGaw Prize. The Prize celebrates hospitals and health systems that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to community health and well-being.

Winning organizations ensure regular community health assessments are completed, community-wide planning and co-design of programs and services are conducted, and that transparent outcome metrics are tracked to ensure accountability and progress.

Submit an Application

One winner and up to three finalists will be selected for the Foster G. McGaw Prize. The award will be presented at the 2027 AHA Leadership Summit in San Diego.

Applications are due noon, Central Time, May 5. Preview the application.

Contact fostermcgaw@aha.org with questions.

2027 Foster G. McGaw Prize Social Media Toolkit

Summary

The Foster G. McGaw Prize honors organizations that demonstrate a strategic approach to community health and well-being, improve access to care and address societal factors that influence health. One winner and three finalists will receive cash awards. For more information and to download an application, visit the Foster G. McGaw webpage (https://www.aha.org/fostermcgaw).

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Foster G. McGaw Prize | AHA

Sample Social Posts:

Registration Open post

Applications are now open for the 2027 Foster G. McGaw Prize! The award honors organizations that improve health through community investments and co-designed initiatives and programs. Applications are due May 5. Learn more and start an application: (https://www.aha.org/fostermcgaw)
Don’t miss the application deadline for the 2027 Foster G. McGaw prize! Apply by May 6 for an opportunity for your hospital or health system to be recognized for your work in advancing community health and well-being.
The applications are now open for the 2027 Foster G. McGaw prize! Applications are due May 5 -- click here to read about past honorees and to download this year’s application. (https://www.aha.org/fostermcgaw)
The applications are now open for the 2027 Foster G. McGaw prize! Applications are due May 5 -- click here to view a short video and to download this year’s application.
The 2027 Foster G. McGaw prize will honor those hospitals and health systems that are addressing societal factors that influence health, increasing access to care and driving sustainable improvements. Learn more about the award, read stories from past honorees, and begin an application here: (https://www.aha.org/fostermcgaw)

Awards Given Out

Thank you to all who applied for the 2026 Foster G. McGaw Prize! Your amazing work in communities is greatly inspiring, and we hope to see more exciting applications next year.
[specifically for winner] Congratulations to ______ (winner name) for receiving the 2026 Foster G. McGaw prize for their outstanding work in improving health equity and community health in their area.

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#WeAreHealthcare

Download 2027 Foster G. McGaw Prize Social Media Toolkit DOCX

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2025 Foster G. McGaw Prize Winner and Finalists Announced

Congratulations to 2025 Foster G. McGaw Prize Winner Fairview Health Services, Minneapolis. AHA was pleased to recognize Fairview Health Services and Foster G. McGaw finalists Inova Health System, Fairfax, Va., LifeBridge Health, Baltimore, and Rush University System for Health, Chicago, at the AHA Leadership Summit in Nashville.

Fairview Health Services accepts the Foster G. McGaw Prize at the 2025 AHA Leadership Summit.

To learn more about Fairview Health Services and the finalists, watch the celebratory video or download the honoree booklet.

Contact fostermcgaw@aha.org with questions.

History of the Prize

In 1986, the Foster G. McGaw Prize was created to recognize hospitals that have distinguished themselves through efforts to improve the health and well-being of everyone in their communities.

Today, despite sweeping changes in the way health care is delivered, hospitals and their communities continue to forge strong partnerships to promote a healthier America.

The Baxter Foundation and the American Hospital Association founded the Foster G. McGaw Prize on the belief that the relationship between a hospital and its community is unique. We celebrate the winners and finalists of this award because they show us how people working together in hospitals and communities can enrich the environment in which they live.

About Baxter and the Baxter Foundation

Every day, Baxter and the Baxter Foundation strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people who depend on the company’s products, and in the communities where employees live and work. The Foundation helps advance Baxter’s mission to save and sustain lives by partnering with organizations around the world to increase access to healthcare for the underserved, develop the next generation of innovators who will lead the way in advancing healthcare and to create a positive, long-lasting impact in communities globally. For more information, please visit Baxter's Corporate Responsibility page.