Best Nursing Grants in Illinois

The Arthur N. Rupe Foundation Grant focuses on promoting positive social change through scholarly studies, education, and public debate. It supports projects related to caregiving, civil debate, and public policy, aiming to enhance the quality of life in America. The foundation prioritizes specific project funding over general operations and does not support individuals or capital campaigns. Grant inquiries are invited through a letter of inquiry process, ensuring alignment with its mission.

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Initiative Grant aims to promote innovative educational programs and enhance diversity within the nurse anesthesia profession. This grant supports efforts such as workshops, lectures, and online learning modules that address DEI issues. By funding these initiatives, the AANA Foundation seeks to foster an inclusive environment and advance the understanding of equity and diversity in the anesthesia community, benefiting both current and future practitioners.

The Deaconess Foundation offers Nursing Scholarship Grants aimed at supporting local students pursuing nursing degrees with demonstrated financial need. This program reflects the foundation's mission to enhance community health in Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois. Grants are administered in partnership with the Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis and the St. Louis American Foundation. Eligible students must be working towards an accredited nursing degree and demonstrate significant financial need, among other criteria.

The Western Institute of Nursing Research Grant is designed to support registered nurses in advancing nursing through research. Funded jointly by the Sigma Foundation for Nursing and WIN, this grant offers $10,000 annually for pilot or developmental research projects. Eligible applicants must hold a current nursing license, possess a doctoral degree or be enrolled in a doctoral program, and be a member of Sigma and WIN. Applications are accepted through an online submission system.

The Macy Faculty Scholars Program, funded by the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation, supports early-career educators in medicine and nursing, promoting their development as future leaders. Scholars receive substantial financial support, mentorship, and access to educational resources, including funding for professional development activities and participation in a Harvard Macy Institute course. This initiative aims to enhance the educational landscape by nurturing diverse talent in the healthcare education field.

The NASN Research Grants, established by the National Association of School Nurses, aim to promote research on school nursing and the health of school-aged children. These grants support innovative projects led by school nurses who are NASN members. The program emphasizes the importance of quality school nursing practice, encouraging applications that adhere to specified guidelines and focus on future research initiatives. With a rich history of funding impactful studies, NASN continues to advance healthcare delivery in educational settings.

The Hillman Emergent Innovation Grant offers $50,000 for 12-18 months to support innovative nursing-driven interventions for underserved populations facing health care access barriers, including racial minorities and low-income individuals. It encourages fresh, early-stage ideas targeting serious illness and end-of-life care challenges. By fostering community engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration, the program aims to transform care delivery in diverse settings, ensuring equitable health services for all.

The Hillman Emergent Innovation Grant supports innovative, nursing-driven solutions aimed at enhancing health equity for marginalized groups, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others facing healthcare barriers. This program encourages transformative proposals that challenge traditional care strategies, demonstrate best-in-class potential, and showcase scalability. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, government entities, and faith-based organizations that adhere to inclusive practices. Priority is given to proposals fostering community engagement and measurable outcomes.

The Beattie Family Foundation offers educational scholarships aimed primarily at medical and nursing students facing financial challenges. These scholarships, ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, support individuals currently enrolled in accredited institutions who demonstrate strong academic capabilities. Additionally, limited funds are available for vocational or trade school tuition for those aspiring to enter skilled labor professions. The foundation prioritizes applicants based on financial need and academic performance.

The Breast Cancer Community Education Grants, funded by the Oncology Nursing Foundation through AstraZeneca HealthCare Foundation, aim to enhance breast cancer awareness through nurse-led community education programs. Grants of up to $1,000 are available to ONS Chapters in the U.S., enabling them to implement impactful educational initiatives. Eligible activities must focus on community outreach and education, fostering a broader understanding of breast cancer.

The Foundation for Health Enhancement Grant aims to improve healthcare delivery in the U.S., focusing on preventive services and support for smaller organizations near Chicago. Grants range from $5,000 to $15,000, with biannual deadlines on April 1 and September 1. Eligible tax-exempt organizations will be considered, while those seeking general operating support will not qualify. Most grants last one year, and applicants can expect decisions within 3 to 4 months after submission.

The Hillman Innovations in Care Grant seeks innovative, nursing-driven proposals to address the impact of racism on health equity for marginalized communities. This includes addressing health disparities faced by BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and economically disadvantaged populations. The program encourages bold, evidence-based interventions that enhance healthcare delivery and outcomes. Grants of up to $600,000 will support projects that demonstrate potential for broad replicability and sustainability over a 36-month period.

The Bernard and Carolyn Torraco Memorial Nursing Scholarships, funded by the UNICO Foundation, offer $2,500 scholarships to students pursuing accredited nursing programs in the United States. These scholarships support nursing students of all ethnicities who demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens and enrolled in a campus-based program, with a focus on continuing their studies within the academic year 2025-2026.

The Cohen Family and L. and V., Inc. Family Scholarship aims to alleviate financial barriers for students pursuing nursing or related fields. Offered by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, this scholarship is designed for adults, including non-traditional and vocational students. With a focus on broadening access to education, the foundation provides support to those seeking further education, ensuring that help is available throughout the application process.

The National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) plans to publish a funding opportunity announcement for Community-Partnered Nursing Research Centers (P20 Clinical Trial Optional). This initiative aims to strengthen nursing-led programs that foster community-partnered research addressing significant health issues. By enhancing interdisciplinary research capacities, the program will establish centralized resources in nursing schools, build expertise in community partnerships, and support nurse-led teams in developing, implementing, and evaluating impactful research projects.

The Katie Moore Memorial Nursing Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, supports students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. Preference is given to those specializing in pediatric nursing and with relevant experience. Eligible candidates must have completed two years of college with a minimum GPA of 3.5 or be enrolled in an RN to BSN program. This scholarship honors Katie Moore's legacy and aims to foster compassionate care for children.

The Blue Bird Auxiliary Scholarship Fund, established by the San Antonio Area Foundation, offers financial support for graduate and current college students pursuing degrees in healthcare-related fields. Eligible candidates must maintain a GPA of 3.1 and be active volunteers with the Blue J/Blue Bird organization. This scholarship, renewable for up to three years, covers tuition, fees, books, and living expenses, helping students achieve their educational goals while serving the community.

The Hank Riley Zolla Scholarship Fund, administered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports students pursuing nursing careers, including neonatal and child care. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and demonstrate financial need. This renewable scholarship can cover various degree levels, including associate, bachelor's, and vocational certificates. The fund aims to empower future healthcare professionals in the USA, ensuring quality education and community support for generations to come.

The Robert B. Taylor Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports students pursuing higher education in vocational fields or those seeking associate degrees. Available to high school seniors, college students, and adult learners, it emphasizes financial need and academic performance, specifically a minimum GPA of 2.5. Preference is given to Black or African American students and those enrolled in Alamo Community Colleges. This fund aims to enhance educational opportunities and community growth.

The Teresa and David R. Schmidt, M.D. Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports high school seniors pursuing careers in the medical field. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain full-time enrollment at accredited institutions. This renewable scholarship assists with tuition, fees, and books for students from specific Texas counties, fostering community growth and educational opportunities in healthcare since 1964.

The Wharton Nursing Leaders Program Scholarship, offered by the Oncology Nursing Foundation, supports nurse-managers aspiring to become chief nursing officers. This program, taking place from December 15-19, 2025, in Philadelphia, focuses on enhancing leadership skills through interactive sessions. Applicants must first be accepted into the program and meet specific eligibility criteria, ensuring that the scholarship aids those committed to advancing their careers in oncology nursing.

The Ethel Strickarz Memorial Scholarship aims to address community needs through educational support in special education and related fields. Funded by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, it encourages students pursuing careers in human services, nursing, psychology, speech pathology, or therapy. This scholarship reflects a commitment to holistic community development by fostering future professionals dedicated to improving lives and addressing urgent societal challenges.

The A.D. and Peggy Hewlett and Colonel David R. Inman Medical Scholarship, established by Steve Hewlett, Pam Inman, and Faye Houston, honors their parents' commitment to education and healthcare. This scholarship supports students pursuing nursing, pharmacy, or physical therapy, prioritizing applicants from Hancock, Ohio, or Daviess County, Kentucky. Applicants must demonstrate academic potential and compassion through relevant experiences. The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee administers this fund to foster a more inclusive and thriving community.

The Mercyhealth Community Scholarship offers seven $2,000 scholarships for graduating seniors and current college students in Wisconsin and Illinois. Designed to support those pursuing careers in healthcare, five scholarships are available for general health care fields and two specifically for nursing. This initiative reflects Mercyhealth's commitment to enhancing healthcare access and quality in the community, ensuring that aspiring healthcare professionals receive the financial support they need to succeed.

The Mercyhealth Ethnic Minority Nursing Scholarship offers three $2,000 scholarships to ethnic minority individuals pursuing a nursing degree in northern Illinois. Applicants must be fluent in Spanish and maintain a 3.0 GPA. Selection is based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and financial need. This initiative, funded by the Mercyhealth Volunteer Association, aims to support diversity in nursing and improve healthcare access within the community.

The Jeanette Zaichkin NRP Nursing Grant for Excellence and Innovation in NRP Education supports nurses dedicated to enhancing neonatal resuscitation training. This grant, offered by the American Academy of Pediatrics, provides up to $10,000 for innovative projects addressing key gaps in transitional physiology and evidence-based practices. Eligible applicants must be current NRP Instructors and work in neonatal care settings. The initiative aims to empower nurses in teaching essential skills for successful newborn resuscitation.

The Health Careers Scholarship of Sonoma County, administered by 10,000 Degrees, supports students pursuing careers in medicine, nursing, or allied health fields. Established in 2001, it is open to undergraduate and graduate students who are residents of Sonoma County or graduated from its high schools. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence with a minimum 3.0 GPA and provide two letters of recommendation, excluding relatives. This scholarship is a vital resource for aspiring healthcare professionals in the community.