International Scholarship Frequently Asked Questions

  1. When is the Heartbeat International Conference?

April 25-28 Louisville, Kentucky (closest airport SDF). For those traveling overnight, we strongly recommend that you plan arriving at least the day before to accommodate for time differences and jet lag. If you receive a scholarship, we expect that you participate from the beginning of the Conference through the close of the Conference, i.e. from In-Depth Day through the closing banquet and keynote session.

  1. Are there scholarships for both the In-Person and Virtual Conferences?

This year, we will be hosting an In-Person Conference and a Virtual Conference. They will be held on the same days. A scholarship recipient for the live Annual Conference in Louisville, Kentucky receives registration for In-Depth Day and the Conference keynotes and workshops, as well as all hotel provided meals for the duration of the Conference (a $699.00 USD value). Hotel accommodations are not included. Recipients will need to provide evidence of confirmed travel reservations and/or hotel accommodations. If those are not provided within a month of notice of the scholarship grant, the scholarship offer may be revoked and offered to another applicant. We therefore recommend that anyone desiring to attend the Annual Conference, seek permission from your Board now and begin the fundraising process for travel and hotel. Your In-Person Conference Experience scholarship includes 21 days access to workshops being presented in the virtual conference. Closer to the Conference, you will receive detailed instructions on how to access the virtual platform at the EMAIL ADDRESS you used to register. We encourage you to please check your spam/junk folder as well.

Scholarships for the Virtual Conference include one free attendee for every paid attendee at an organization. There is no need to apply for this scholarship. The International Conference Registration page will automatically allow you to add your second attendee after you have registered the paying attendee. Scholarship to the Virtual Conference includes access to all virtual events and workshops for 10 days. Closer to the Conference you will receive detailed instruction on how to access the virtual platform at the EMAIL ADDRESS you use to register. We encourage you to please check your spam/junk folder as well. This option will not give you access to the In-Person Conference.

  1. How many scholarships does Heartbeat make available?

Demand for scholarships is generally greater than what we can provide, but Heartbeat provides as many as we possibly can, based on what the budget will allow in that Conference year. Furthermore, typically, we award one scholarship per organization. You must apply to be considered for a scholarship.

  1. I can’t wait to attend! What is next?

Check to see if you are currently affiliated with Heartbeat directly, or with one of our Joint Affiliation Partners (JAP). Our JAPs are Africa Cares for Life, Association for Life of Africa, Be’Ad Chaim, Canadian Association of Pregnancy Services, Centros de Ayuda para la Mujer, Movimento per la Vita, Pregnancy Help Australia, Pregnancy Support Services of Asia, and ProVida   You can check your affiliation status by asking your JAP leader, and if you are affiliated with Heartbeat directly you can log in to your account. If you find that your status is in grace or expired, you will need to reaffiliate. In that case, contact the JAP or click here to reaffiliate.

  1. I checked and my affiliation is current, now what?

Click here to access the online application. If you cannot access it online, you will need to fill out the hard copy application and scan the completely filled out application to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can download the hard copy of the application by clicking here. The application must be completely filled out, the information must be accurate, and the application must be received by January 30, 2023. So, if you have not checked the correct status of your affiliation, the application will be rejected.

  1. Does calling and emailing help the selection process?

No. In fact, calling and emailing several times slows down the entire process. You will receive acknowledgment of receipt of your application. After that, the International Program Specialist will review and confirm the information submitted for each application. With few exceptions, applications are considered on a first come first serve basis.

  1. When is the application process closed?

It will be a hard close on January 30, 2023. That means that no more applications will be accepted. Do not delay if you want your application to be considered. Late applications will not be considered.

  1. When will decisions be made?

Decisions will be made by February 15, 2023, and emails will be sent out to individuals who have received a scholarship.

  1. Does Heartbeat pay for VISA applications?

No, but we will provide letters of invitation to be used in the VISA application process if you indicate on your application that you need a letter.

  1. Once selected, what is required of scholarship recipients?

Scholarship recipients are expected to:

  • Understand English at a level sufficient for keynotes and workshops.
  • Attend Conference workshops and keynote sessions.
  • Grant permission for their pictures and stories to be used by Heartbeat.
  • Following the Conference, give feedback to Heartbeat’s International Program Specialist regarding their experience.
  • Be able to communicate regularly via e-mail with Heartbeat’s International Program Specialist in the months and weeks prior to the Conference to answer questions, arrange preparations, and provide confirmation of your travel itinerary. (Failure to provide this information in a timely manner may jeopardize a scholarship which may be offered to those who can confirm their travel information.)
  1. How many days should I plan for attendance?

Typically, Heartbeat International scholarship recipients arrive at the Conference location in America one or two days prior to the start of the Conference. This allows the recipient time to rest and acclimate to the time change as well as an opportunity for fellowship among the international group and Heartbeat staff.

Internationals may have or create additional opportunities while in the U.S. for the Heartbeat Conference. Heartbeat encourages this (as long as it does not conflict with attendance at the Conference) but does not assume responsibility for any expenses, transportation, travel, etc.

  1. Who is the contact person for scholarship requests and questions?

The International Program Specialist, Ellen Foell. She can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Please do NOT contact others at Heartbeat International. It will only slow down the processing of your application.