Minnesota Mental Health Community Foundation Scholarships
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MHCF offers scholarships that support students, residents, fellows, and emerging mental health professionals in their education, professional development, leadership, and service to Minnesota communities.
These scholarships are made possible through the generosity of Minnesota psychiatrists, their families, and others in the mental health community. Many honor individuals whose work and commitment made a lasting impact on mental health care in Minnesota, carrying their legacies forward by supporting the next generation of mental health professionals. Bob Baumer, MD Community Psychiatry Scholarship The Bob Baumer, MD Community Psychiatry Scholarship provides one $500 scholarship annually to support a psychiatry resident or fellow in pursuing an educational or professional development opportunity related to community psychiatry. Eligibility & Selection Criteria Applicants must:
About Robert Baumer, MD Dr. Robert Baumer was a community psychiatrist, APA Distinguished Fellow, dedicated patient advocate, and valued mentor. Throughout his career, he worked to ensure access to excellent care for people who were often the most disenfranchised and was a strong advocate for integrating psychiatry into public-sector health systems. Dr. Baumer co-founded Family Life Center, a community clinic serving people with serious mental illness whose care had previously been limited to institutions. He was known for his open-mindedness, creativity, collaboration, and commitment to helping others grow. The scholarship was established by his wife, Debra Baumer, to honor his legacy and continue his support of community psychiatrists in Minnesota. Application Deadline: October 1, 2026 CLICK HERE TO APPLY Eric Brown, MD Residents Caucus Scholarship The Eric Brown, MD Residents Caucus Scholarship supports psychiatry residents and fellows in pursuing individualized academic, research, or career exploration opportunities. One $250 scholarship is awarded annually to help support an interest or project that may not otherwise have funding available. Eligibility & Selection Criteria Applicants must:
About Eric Brown, MD Dr. Eric Brown was a former president of the Minnesota Psychiatric Society and a driving force behind the MPS Residents Caucus. A lifelong learner and strong believer in self-directed exploration and development, he created the Residents Caucus to give residents and fellows greater opportunities to shape their own professional growth. Dr. Brown became involved in MPS leadership while he was still a resident and remained deeply committed to developing the next generation of psychiatric leaders. This scholarship honors his contributions as a resident, his leadership within MPS, and his belief in giving trainees the opportunity to explore their individual research and career aspirations. Application Deadline: October 1, 2026 CLICK HERE TO APPLY Emerging Leaders in Psychiatry Scholarship The Emerging Leaders in Psychiatry Scholarship supports psychiatry residents and fellows interested in developing their leadership skills and becoming more involved in organized medicine. One $250 scholarship is awarded annually to a resident or fellow who commits to active participation in the Minnesota Psychiatric Society. Both residents and fellows who are already involved with MPS and those who are interested in becoming involved are encouraged to apply. Eligibility & Selection Criteria Applicants must:
The scholarship is designed to give residents and fellows meaningful opportunities to develop leadership skills, build professional relationships, and contribute their perspectives to organized psychiatry in Minnesota. The original program specifically emphasizes committee work and volunteer involvement with MPS as a way to enhance the trainee experience and develop future psychiatric leaders. Application Deadline: October 1, 2026 CLICK HERE TO APPLY Emily Osiecki, LMFT Memorial Scholarship The Emily Osiecki, LMFT Memorial Scholarship honors the life and legacy of Emily Osiecki, a dedicated mental health professional and former member of the FastTrackerMN team. One $250 scholarship is awarded annually to a Marriage and Family Therapy graduate student pursuing their LMFT whose professional goals or interests include suicide prevention. Eligibility & Selection Criteria Applicants must:
About Emily Osiecki, LMFT Emily was a dedicated mental health professional whose passion was serving people experiencing pain and connecting them with the help and support they needed. She earned her Marriage and Family Therapy degree from St. Mary’s University while working and raising her young son. Emily was also a dedicated member of the FastTrackerMN team and contributed greatly to its success during her time with the organization. Most importantly, she was a mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend, and colleague. Emily died by suicide in 2020. Emily’s story was also one of healing and hope. She drew upon her own experiences and insights in her work as a mental health professional and understood deeply the impact mental illness can have on individuals and families. This scholarship was created to remember Emily’s light and encourage future Marriage and Family Therapists to carry forward her passion for helping others, particularly through work that includes suicide prevention. Application Deadline: October 1, 2026 CLICK HERE TO APPLY |
The Minnesota Mental Health Community Foundation (MHCF) was established by the Minnesota Psychiatric Society as its charitable 501(c)(3) organization to support education, scholarships, and initiatives that strengthen mental health care in Minnesota.
MHCF was also the longtime home of FastTrackerMN, Minnesota’s behavioral health service locator, and supported its development and operation for many years. FastTrackerMN is now an independent 501(c)(3) organization, but the connection between the organizations remains an important part of MHCF’s history. The Emily Osiecki, LMFT Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of a beloved FastTrackerMN team member and continues to be administered by MHCF in her honor. |