Women Grants

Women Grants for Nursing Students
Female nursing students are eligible for a variety of women grants they can use to pay for school and living expenses.  Many grants are restricted to women who meet certain eligibility criteria such as being a single parent.  Others are intended to encourage women to pursue nursing as a career in order to be financially independent and address the nation’s nursing shortage.

The following below are examples of grants for women.

National Grants for Women

Grants for women are available from the federal government as well as national women’s organizations.  These grants are intended to support women in underrepresented areas of educational attainment or programmatic implementation.  The following is an example of a national organization that offers grants to women.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority National Education Foundation

The Foundation provides scholarships and grants to female undergraduate and graduate students who are members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. or to women pursuing a college degree in a specific field of study.  The S. Evelyn Lewis Memorial Award in Medical Health Sciences is available to women enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs with the intention of obtaining a degree in the health sciences, including nursing. Grants and scholarships are awarded based on academic scores, personal essay and letters of recommendation.  Typical award amounts range from $500 to $1,000 for one full-time academic year.  For current application and guidelines, students can contact the Foundation at 1734 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20009 or by calling them at (856) 234-3160.

State Grants for Women

There may be state-specific grants available to women.  Grants may be funded by the state government or other entities such as foundations or nonprofit organizations. Organizations with a membership policy can restrict grants to members at their discretion.  Following is an example of an organization that women can apply to for grants.

Oklahoma Nurses Foundation

Women who are nurses and members of the Oklahoma Nurses Association may be eligible for a small grant from the Foundation for a nursing research project. A summary outlining the proposed research is required to be considered for a grant.  Grant amounts vary and applications are accepted at any time. Nurses interested in this opportunity can contact the Foundation, c/o Oklahoma Nurses Association, 6414 North Santa Fe – Suite A, Oklahoma City, OK 73116 or by calling (405) 840-3476.

Educational Institute Grants for Women

Many colleges and universities offer grants for women enrolled in a degree-seeking program such as nursing.  Grants can be used for tuition costs or other educational purposes such as a research project.  Women interested in learning more about these opportunities can contact their school’s office of financial aid for additional information. The nursing department may also be able to provide applications for grants.  The following is an example of a college that offers grants for women.

North Arkansas College

The College offers numerous scholarship opportunities for students enrolled in the Nursing & Allied Health program.  The Eva Kay Abney Cantrell and Jewell Marie Abney Howard Continuing Grant is restricted to female graduates of Valley Springs High School. Only students in their second year of study are eligible for this grant. Award amounts vary. Applications must be submitted by the end of April annually. Students interested in this opportunity can contact the Financial Aid office at (870) 743-3000 for additional information.

Employer-Sponsored Grants for Women

Local employers may be a source of grants for women.  This is particularly true of healthcare-related employers such as hospitals who offer grants to women as an incentive for them to begin or continue their education in nursing. The following is an example of an employer that offers education grants to women.

Lester E. Cox Medical Centers

Women who live in Springfield, Missouri and are interested in studying nursing may be eligible for education grants offered through the Centers.  Preference is given to employees but community members can also apply. Awards are made based on academic scores and documented financial need.  Grant amounts vary and applications are accepted at any time. For applications and guidelines, contact the Centers at 1423 N. Jefferson Avenue, Springfield, MO 65802.

Community-Based Grants for Women

There are several types of community-based groups that offer grants for women to pursue a nursing career.  Typically, foundations provide the most support when it comes to grants.  Community foundations in particular are likely to administer grant programs for women that encourage them to enroll in nursing programs.  The following is an example of funder that offers grants for women.

The Community Foundation of Louisville, Inc.

Women interested in pursuing a nursing career may be eligible for the Women’s Second Chance College Scholarship Fund which provides education grants for nursing school.  Applicants must be between the ages of 25 and 40 to apply. Only students accepted to or enrolled in a four-year accredited program qualify for financial assistance. Mentoring is included with all grant awards. This grant is limited to women who live in Kentucky or select counties in Southern Indiana including Floyd, Crawford, Scott, Harrison, Washington, and Clark. Grants are awarded based on academic potential and documented financial need.  Award amounts vary and application are typically due to the Foundation by mid-March annually.  For applications and guidelines, contact the Foundation at 325 West Main Street – Suite 1110, Louisville, KY 40202 or by calling (502) 585-4649.

Numerous opportunities exist for female nursing students to secure women grants for the purpose of paying for nursing school tuition or other education-related expenses.  Taking advantage of each opportunity increases your chances of securing grant dollars.