Protocol for Life Scholarship

Protocol for Life Scholarship

Funder: Institute for Natural Medicine (INM) in partnership with NOW Health Group (NHG), a Division of NOW Foods

Status: Active - Announced January 22, 2026

Award Amount: Six-figure investment distributed over five years

Geographic Scope: United States (naturopathic residency programs)

Focus Areas:

Naturopathic residency training and education

Enhancement of accessibility, sustainability, and standardization of naturopathic residency programs

Support for future naturopathic doctors (NDs)

Eligibility:

Naturopathic residency programs aligned with INM's goals

Programs that enhance accessibility, sustainability, and standardization of residency training

What the Scholarship Supports:

Creation of more residency opportunities for future naturopathic doctors

Ensuring programs maintain highest quality standards

Flexible use across various aspects of residency training

Essential support to programs that align with scholarship goals

Purpose:
Named in honor of Elwood Richard, founder of NOW Health Group, this scholarship marks the single largest commitment ever made to advance naturopathic residency programs. It was inspired by Betty Richard's experience receiving financial aid for college, with the family committed to "paying it forward" to others with financial needs.

Background:

Residencies play a crucial role in professional development of NDs

Addresses growing need for highly skilled naturopathic providers in primary care

Ensures practitioners are well-equipped to deliver effective natural and sustainable healthcare solutions

Contact Information:

Institute for Natural Medicine

- Email: wyn@naturemed.org
- Website: https://naturemed.org/community-resources/inm-residency-consortium

About NOW Health Group:

Founded by Elwood Richard in 1968

Family-owned company with over 1,800 employees across North America

Comprises Puresource, The Fruitful Yield, and NOW (manufacturer of 1,500+ dietary supplements and health products)

Operates in more than 100 countries

Mission: Provide value in products and services that empower people to lead healthier lives

About INM:

501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

Mission: Transform health care in the United States by increasing public awareness of natural medicine and access to naturopathic doctors

Promotes whole person care rooted in the healing power of nature