Spangenburg, Michelle

Abstract The vision of the ASPEN Rhoads Research Foundation is to promote innovation and research discovery to improve nutrition care and health. The Foundation was launched in 1993, incorporated in 2002, and established as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization in 2007. On the occasion of American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN)'s 50th anniversary, this article examines the creation of the Foundation, the state of clinical nutrition research funding, the Foundation's philanthropic mission, and the return on investment of Foundation grant support. To date, 114 investigators have received 2.78 million dollars in funding. The article examines the success of ASPEN research programs and Foundation grant support in career development, leadership, and mentorship. It is important to document a historical account of the ASPEN Rhoads Research Foundation and encourage innovation and discovery and ongoing financial support.