The Women's Health Research Foundation of Canada Inc.
The Women's Health Research Foundation of Canada Inc. (WHRFC) is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing and improving health outcomes for women and gender-diverse people through research, advocacy, and education. Established in the early 1980s, WHRFC operates with a focus on holistic health, emphasizing social, psychological, and physical well-being[1].

Mission and Activities
WHRFC supports initiatives that address systemic gaps in women’s health research. This includes awarding scholarships to graduate students engaged in women’s health studies, with recent examples including four full-time and one part-time graduate student recipients[4]. The organization emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to health challenges and advocates for equitable healthcare policies and practices[1].

Governance
The foundation is governed by a board of directors, including executive members and members-at-large. Leadership roles include President Sheri Fandrey (BSP, PhD), Vice President Danessa Peters (CPA), Treasurer Cathy G. Cordileone, and Secretary Katelin McDermott (MSc). Additional members span healthcare, financial, and academic expertise, such as Gaynor Williams (DPhil, MD) and Lynn Scruby (RN, BN, MS, PhD)[1].

Related Organizations
While WHRFC focuses broadly on health research, other Canadian nonprofits like the Canadian Foundation for Women’s Health (CFWH) specialize in sexual and reproductive health, including funding research and global initiatives[5]. The U.S.-based Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR) shares similar advocacy goals but operates independently[3]. WHRFC distinguishes itself through its long-standing Canadian presence and multidisciplinary scope[1][4].

Impact
WHRFC’s scholarship programs and advocacy efforts aim to address disparities in healthcare access and research funding, particularly for underrepresented populations. Its work aligns with broader national efforts to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality, as seen in collaborative projects with medical organizations[1][5].