Nursing Research Grants
Where to Apply for Nursing Research Grants
Nurses who have ideas on how to improve patient care can get funding to undertake a research project by applying for nursing research grants. Grants are intended to fund very specific aspects of the research project. The grantor will want a final report on results that can be disseminated to other nursing professionals.
Following below are examples of organizations that award grants to nurses to conduct research.
International Organizations that Fund Nursing Research Projects
Multiple international organizations fund research grants that focus on the nursing profession. Every grant has guidelines that must be followed when submitting a proposal for funding. The guidelines detail allowable and unallowable activities and costs. The following is an example of an international organization that awards nurses funding for research grants.
The Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing
The Society administers multiple grant programs including the Sigma Theta Tau International/Joan K. Stout, RN, Research Grant. This grant is for nurse researchers who have designed research projects that measure results from and aim to improve simulations that are integral to nursing education. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited doctoral program and be licensed registered nurses in good standing. Award amounts are $5,000. The deadline for submission is the end of June. For applications and guidelines, contact the Society at (888) 634-7575.
National Organizations that Fund Nursing Research Projects
Several national organizations offer research grants to nurses. These organizations are often affiliated with the nursing profession. Membership organizations may restrict grants to nurse researchers who are members. Following is an example of a national organization that awards grants to nurse researchers.
Emergency Nurses Foundation
Nurses can apply for various research grants available through the Foundation including the ENA Foundation/Sigma Theta Tau International Research Grant, the ENA Foundation & ANIA-CARING Research Grant, the Emergency Medicine Foundation (EMF)/ENA Team Research Grant, and the ENA Industry-Supported Research Grant. Each grant program has specific requirements that applicants must meet to be considered. All focus on advancing some aspect of emergency nursing. Projects that align with ENA research initiatives will be given preference. Grant award amounts vary, ranging from $6,000 to $50,000. Submission deadlines differ depending upon the individual grant program. Interested nurses can request additional information by contacting the Foundation at 915 Lee Street, Des Plaines, IL 60016 or by calling (847) 460-4100.
Federal Grants for Nursing Projects
The federal government funds thousands of research projects every year. There are several departments and agencies within the government that focus on health issues and are appropriate sources for grants to conduct nursing research. These grants often require the assistance of a professional grant writer to help with the writing and submission process. Following is an example of a federal program that funds research grants.
National Institute of Nursing Research
The Institute is a collaborating arm of the National Institutes of Health that focuses on nursing research including clinical research activities. Nurses that are not employees of the Institutes can submit requests for research grants through the Extramural Program. Grant proposals can be submitted at any time or in response to a Request for Applications (RFA). Applicants are encouraged to contact Extramural Program staff at any point throughout the application process. Proposals should align to the Institute’s most current funding strategy in nursing research. Research grant requests can be mailed to the Institute, c/o National Institutes of Health, 31 Center Drive, Room 5B10, Bethesda, MD 20892. If you have questions about the process, you can call the Institute at (301) 496-0207.
Educational Institute Grants for Nursing Projects
Nursing schools associated with large universities or hospitals often offer research grants to nurses and nursing students. Each will have specific grant guidelines that must be adhered to for proposals to be considered. Grant selection processes are highly competitive. The following is an example of nursing program that offers research grants in nursing.
University of California Davis Medical Center
Through the Center for Nursing Research, research grants are awarded to staff nurses and nursing students. Nurses have several grant opportunities, including the Nursing Research Small Grant Program, the Innovative Pilot Project Grant Program, and the Eula Wiley Award. Awards range from $500 to $10,000 depending upon the grant program. Grants are awarded based on the merit of research project designs. Interested nurses and nursing students can contact the Center at (961) 734-7817.
Foundation Grants for Nursing Projects
There are a variety of resources that provide research grants. The most common is foundations that accept proposals for research grants. Not all are interested in nursing so you will need to locate appropriate foundations for your research proposal. The proposed research project will have to be described in detail in your proposal. Following is an example of a foundation that funds research projects in nursing.
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
The Foundation awards research grants that align with their nursing research initiatives which include improving the quality of healthcare. Research projects can range in size. Award amounts vary. Unsolicited proposals are accepted at any time. Solicited proposals must meet deadlines published in Request for Applications (RFA). For grant applications and guidelines, nurses can contact the Foundation at Route 1 and College Road East, P.O. Box 2316, Princeton, NJ 08543 or by calling (877) 843-7953.
Applying for nursing research grants is very different than submitting applications for scholarships. Grants require detailed project plans and budgets. The budgets must specify how applicants plan to use grant funds. Research grants are crucial to ongoing improvements to patient care and the nursing profession.
