The AAD's Shade Structure Grant Program awards grants of up to $8,000 to public schools and non-profit organizations for installing permanent shade structures for outdoor locations that are not protected from the sun, such as playgrounds, pools, or recreation spaces. In addition to the grant, the AAD also provides a permanent sign for display near the shade structure.
Since its launch in 1999, the AAD's Shade Structure Program has awarded over 492 shade structure grants, which provide shade for over 3.7 million individuals each day.
Together with the AAD's Adopt-a-Shade Program, there have been 626 shade structures built that provide shade to over 4 million people annually.
| Predictor | Why It Matters | Evidence / Pattern Observed |
|---|---|---|
| Strong clinical or scientific relevance to dermatology | All AAD programs require a clear dermatologic focus — either clinical, educational, or translational. | Funded proposals directly address skin disease mechanisms, treatments, or education methods. |
| Feasibility and focus | Reviewers favor specific, well-scoped projects that can yield results within the funding period. | Successful Resident Research Grant projects usually have 1–2 clear aims, achievable within 1 year. |
| Quality of mentorship and institutional support | Early-career and resident applicants must have strong mentors with publication and funding track records. | Mentor letters are often decisive; weak mentorship is a common rejection reason. |
| Innovation and potential impact | The AAD’s Sulzberger Institute explicitly funds innovative approaches to dermatology education and practice. | Past winners have introduced novel educational tools, teledermatology approaches, or AI-based skin diagnostics. |
| Alignment with AAD’s mission (education, diversity, public health) | Proposals addressing underrepresented populations, access to care, or dermatology education for diverse groups receive strong support. | Skin of Color Research Grants and humanitarian projects are clear examples. |
| Preliminary work or pilot feasibility | Even small data sets or feasibility evidence strengthens credibility. | Funded resident projects often build on departmental pilot studies. |
| Clear dissemination or translational plan | Reviewers reward proposals with tangible outcomes (e.g., publications, presentations, education modules). | AAD encourages outputs that can be shared through its meetings or journals. |
| Concise and professional presentation | AAD applications are brief—clarity, focus, and adherence to word limits matter heavily. | Unclear or verbose applications tend to underperform. |
Weak or indirect connection to dermatology
Unrealistic aims for the limited funding/time
Insufficient mentorship structure or lack of institutional resources
Vague methods or unconvincing rationale
Lack of diversity, equity, or education focus (when applicable to program)
Resident Research Grants: ~20–25% success rate
Sulzberger Institute Grants: ~15–20%
Humanitarian/Travel Awards: Variable; typically 25–30%
Career Development Awards: Highly competitive (<10%)
Clear dermatology relevance and innovative focus
Feasible and well-defined research or education plan
Strong mentorship and institutional backing
Potential for tangible impact (publications, education tools, clinical change)
Alignment with AAD’s diversity, education, and outreach goals
The AAD Shade Structure Program is open to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations and public schools that provide services, programs, and curricula to children and teenagers who are 18 and younger. To be considered, applicants must:
Submit a letter of recommendation with your online application from an AAD member dermatologist. Locate an AAD member dermatologist by using the Find a Dermatologist tool.
Demonstrate an ongoing commitment to sun safety within your organization. A sun safety/skin cancer awareness program must be in place for at least one year prior to application. Your organization's sun-safety awareness program can include use of the AAD's sun-safety resources or the Good Skin Knowledge curriculum. Bonus points are awarded for using AAD-branded materials. However, you may also use original content developed specifically for your audience, or repurposed materials available from other organizations.
Eligible Countries:
Sponsor Institute/Organizations: American Academy of Dermatology
Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit
Address: P.O. Box 1968, Des Plaines, IL 60017
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Dec 15, 2025
Dec 15, 2025
$8,000
Affiliation: American Academy of Dermatology
Address: P.O. Box 1968, Des Plaines, IL 60017
Website URL: https://www.aad.org/public/public-health/shade-structure-grants
Disclaimer:It is mandatory that all applicants carry workplace liability insurance, e.g., https://www.protrip-world-liability.com (Erasmus students use this package and typically costs around 5 € per month - please check) in addition to health insurance when you join any of the onsite Trialect partnered fellowships.