Best Nursing Grants in California

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Martha Rodriguez Scholarship Fund

Martha Rodriguez Memorial Scholarship was initiated in 2025 by Lisa Ackerman, close friend and then Director of the Columbus Citizens Foundation. Raised in Gary, Indiana and a true New Yorker, Martha died as the result of traumatic head injuries from a tragic accident just outside her NYC apartment. Martha Rodriguez gave in life, working as a nurse helping patients navigate the trauma of breast cancer at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. In her death, she was lauded by the President of LiveOnNY, an organization that coordinates and oversees organ donations, for her last selfless act of giving. Martha donated organs that gave life and hope and helped three people lead better lives. Her zest for life was contagious, and her dedication, compassion, and expertise left an indelible mark on the lives of countless MSKCC patients and caregivers. She was a friend and mentor to many. She loved being a nurse at MSKCC and worked for more than 28 years as a nurse practitioner and for the last 15 years of her life dealing with breast cancer patients. This scholarship is awarded to nurses studying in master's or doctoral programs who are dedicated to oncology care, or women’s health, or are Latinx nurses.

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Margaret L. McClure Scholarship

Created in 2020, by Margaret L. McClure, EdD, RN, FAAN, together with NEF. This scholarship fund recognizes Dr. McClure’s distinguished career. Her many accomplishments include: leading the team that conducted the original research study responsible for the Magnet Hospital program under the auspices of the American Academy of Nursing. She concluded her full-time career at the New York University Medical Center, where through the courses of two decades, she served as the executive director of nursing and administrator for hospital and institutional affairs and as vice president for hospital operations. She also served in the United States Army Nurse Corps Reserve and retired with the rank of colonel.

Dr. McClure has served Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. as a board member, officer, and now emeritus member upon her retirement. This scholarship recognizes graduate nurse leaders for their academic, research, administration, and health care policy roles.

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Margaret Gould Tyson Scholarship

Dr. Tyson was a very active NEF Board member for many years and the Dean at Hunter Bellevue School of Nursing in New York City. Since her death in 2008, the Margaret Gould Tyson scholarship has been given annually to a doctoral applicant studying nursing education.

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Madeline A. Naegle Scholarship for Mental Health Nursing

In 2018, Madeline A. Naegle, PhD, CNS-PMH, RN, BC, FAAN, a national and international nursing leader in mental health/substance abuse education, research, and practice together with NEF created this scholarship with a preference to graduate nurses specializing in mental health nursing.

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Lucy C. Perry Scholarship

Preference for funds from this scholarship is given to applicants studying at Indiana University and interested in public health.

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Liesel M. Hiemenz Scholarship

This permanent scholarship was established in memory of Ms. Hiemenz, a nurse from Germany. Preference is given to applicants interested in public health.

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Laura D. Smith National Student Nurses' Association (NSNA) Scholarship

The NSNA Scholarship honors Laura D. Smith. Ms Smith was initially a clinical nurse and after earning her master’s degree joined the staff of the American Journal of Nursing ultimately becoming Senior Editor in 1959. Her particular interest was in championing the accomplishments of student nurses by means of the “Student Page” in the AJN. She was instrumental in the birth and early development of the NSNA. The award is given to an applicant enrolled in a master's in nursing education, a a PhD in nursing, or an EdD in nursing program, who was an NSNA member in their pre-licensure nursing program and has demonstrated excellence in nursing scholarship and service.

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Geraldine Labecki Fund

Created in 2016, from the bequest of Geraldine Labecki, former Dean of Clemson University's School of Nursing from 1965 to 1980, Clemson University's first woman collegiate dean. This scholarship fund is dedicated to graduate nurses exhibiting exceptional leadership skills.

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Francine Bono-Neri Scholarship Fund

As a grateful 2019 NEF Scholar, in 2023, Francine Bono-Neri wanted other nurses to benefit from receiving a scholarship while focusing their master's or doctoral degree clinical study and research on the problem of human trafficking. As an experienced Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Dr. Bono-Neri's deep concern about the global reach of human trafficking inspired her to become the co-founder and serve as president of Nurses United Against Human Trafficking. Committed to education and clinical awareness about human trafficking for every nurse in all settings and countries, this scholarship will support the study of human trafficking as well as related clinical and research areas which include forensic nursing, sexual assault, child sexual assault/abuse, sexual exploitation, sextortion, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, adverse childhood experiences, and child maltreatment.

The Bea Goodwin Scholarship, established in 2026, honors the legacy of Dr. Bea Goodwin, a dedicated nursing leader. This scholarship is aimed at supporting professional nurses pursuing master's or doctoral degrees in nursing education. Applicants must have a minimum of two semesters remaining in their studies and must hold current RN licenses. Preference is given to candidates whose work reflects Dr. Goodwin's commitment to excellence in nursing education and preparing future nurse educators.

The Charles Hamlin Scholarship, established by Nurses Educational Funds, Inc., supports professional nurses pursuing master's or doctoral degrees in nursing. Applicants must hold a current RN license and demonstrate a commitment to nursing leadership, particularly in orthopedic care and the well-being of Native American communities. The scholarship honors Dr. Charles Hamlin's legacy, emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity in healthcare and preventing burnout among healthcare professionals. This award aims to empower future nursing leaders and enhance diversity in the field.

The Mount Sinai Hospital School of Nursing offers the Edith G. Ryan and Joan Herman Bilder Scholarship for master's and doctoral nursing students. Established in 2024, it honors distinguished alumni and supports those with a minimum GPA of 3.6. Applicants must have at least two semesters of study remaining and meet specific eligibility criteria, including current RN licensure and national nursing association membership. This scholarship aims to promote nursing leadership and academic excellence.

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

M. Louise Fitzpatrick Nursing Scholarship Award

M. Louise Fitzpatrick, EdD, RN, FAAN, was a 1970 NEF Doctoral Scholar and a longstanding member of the NEF Board of Directors. She served as the Dean of Villanova College of Nursing from 1978 until 2017. The scholarship award, established in 2015, by Dr. Fitzpatrick’s request, is given to graduate Nursing PhD or Nursing EdD candidates with community home/health focus or Nursing PhD or Nursing EdD candidates specializing in historical research. Upon her death in 2017, the president of Villanova University announced that in honor of Dean Fitzpatrick, the College of Nursing will be named the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing. Dr. Fitzpatrick bequeathed $30,000 to her scholarship fund making it a permanent scholarship named the “M. Louise Fitzpatrick Nursing Scholarship Award”.

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

M. Janice Nelson Scholarship

M. Janice Nelson, EdD, RN, was the founding dean and a professor of the College of Nursing at Upstate Medical University who, throughout her career, was active in many professional nursing organizations, including NEF as a board member and President.

In 2023, a generous bequest was left to NEF to establish this scholarship and honor Dr. Nelson. The M. Janice Nelson Scholarship is dedicated to doctoral study with an emphasis on nursing education and service through leadership in professional nursing organizations.

Graduate-level registered nurses in accredited U.S. programs focusing on clinical nursing leadership can apply for scholarship support, including those studying in California. Focused on advanced nursing education, Nurses Educational Funds invites master’s, doctoral, or accelerated BSN-to-doctorate students with strong GPAs and at least 12 graded credits (40 for accelerated) remaining in their programs to apply.

Black registered nurses in doctoral nursing programs who are U.S. citizens or legal residents can receive scholarship support for graduate-level nursing education, including in California. The M. Elizabeth Carnegie African American Scholarship from Nurses Educational Funds helps fund tuition for eligible PhD, DNP, DNAP, or EdD students enrolled in accredited nursing programs with strong academic records.

California graduate-level nursing students pursuing PhD or EdD degrees, who are licensed RNs and members of a national nursing association, can access funding through the Maxine E. Elkan Scholarship for advanced nursing education. This Nurses Educational Funds award supports U.S. nurses in accredited doctoral programs, with preference for those preparing to become nurse educators.

Graduate-level registered nurses in geriatric-focused programs can receive scholarship support for master’s or doctoral study through Nurses Educational Funds, including students in California. Grants from Nurses Educational Funds help nursing professionals in accredited U.S. programs advance leadership in geriatric nursing education, practice, research, and administration; awards are paid directly to students, not institutions.

U.S. registered nurses pursuing accredited graduate nursing degrees can apply for Nurses Educational Funds’ Columbia University–Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association/J. Margaret Ada Mutch Scholarship to support master’s or doctoral study. Applicants must have at least two semesters remaining after award notification and meet strict GPA, credit, licensure, and professional membership requirements; Columbia University School of Nursing students and alumni receive preference.

Graduate-level registered nurses pursuing master’s or doctoral nursing degrees in the U.S. can apply for Nurses Educational Funds’ Columbia University–Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association/Penny Hund West Scholarship. Funding supports advanced nursing education and leadership development; California nurses meeting NEF’s academic, licensure, and professional membership requirements may be eligible, with preference for Columbia Nursing students or alumni.

U.S. registered nurses in accredited graduate nursing programs, especially doctoral students focused on nursing education, can apply for the Cynthia Davis Sculco Scholarship from Nurses Educational Funds. Awards are paid directly to individuals, not schools, and applicants must have at least two semesters remaining and meet strict academic, licensure, and professional membership requirements.

California registered nurses pursuing graduate degrees in nursing education or public health can access funding through the Edith M. Pritchard Scholarship to support master’s or doctoral study. This national Nurses Educational Funds award is for U.S. RNs enrolled in accredited graduate nursing programs who meet rigorous credit and GPA requirements.

U.S. registered nurses pursuing accredited graduate degrees in nursing education, practice, research, or administration can receive scholarship support for advanced study, including those in California. Nurses Educational Funds offers the Eleanor C. Lambertsen Scholarship annually to a doctoral student in nursing education or administration who meets rigorous academic and enrollment requirements.

African American registered nurses pursuing master’s or doctoral nursing degrees in accredited U.S. programs can receive scholarship support for advanced nursing education and leadership development. Nurses Educational Funds’ Estelle Massey Osborne Scholarship is awarded directly to students, not schools, and California graduate nursing students who meet the RN, GPA, credit, and membership requirements may be eligible.

Registered nurses pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees in accredited U.S. graduate nursing programs can apply for the Evelyn J. Barclay Scholarship, supporting advanced study in areas like nursing education, practice, research, and administration. Administered by Nurses Educational Funds, this national award may benefit California nurses, with preference for doctoral students in public health, nursing education, or research.

Graduate-level nurses pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees in accredited U.S. nursing programs can receive scholarship support for advanced nursing education and leadership development. Nurses Educational Funds awards the Georgette Viellion Scholarship to current RNs who are U.S. citizens or legal residents with strong academic records, which may benefit California nurses preparing for full-time faculty roles.

Joseph L. Ruby Student Scholarship Fund

Established in honor of former Direction Home Akron Canton President and CEO Joseph Ruby to award scholarships to students enrolled in gerontology, social work, nursing or a related health care program.

Amount:

• $5,000 or more

Number of awards:

• Varies

Renewal:

• Must reapply annually by submission of a new application.