Funding & HRSA Grants for Nursing Education

We know your priorities as a nurse educator. Whether you need comprehensive NCLEX prep, faculty development resources, or simulation equipment, nursing education grants can strengthen your program and equip students for clinical success. To save you time, we've done the groundwork to connect you with funding options that support you, your department, and your students in reaching their full potential.

Funding for NCLEX-Prep and Nursing Education

Grants for nursing education are more accessible than you might think. Millions of dollars are allocated each year to nursing programs, many on a first-come, first-served basis. ¹ Whether you outsource or manage grant applications in-house, abundant nationwide funding makes the grant process worth your time. Additional revenue can expand your budget, allowing you to focus on guiding students from the classroom to clinical success.

How to Apply for Nursing Education Grants

Applying for nursing grants requires an understanding of specific requirements. Begin by identifying the grant programs that align with your institution’s goals and objectives. Each grant typically has unique guidelines, so it's essential to review the eligibility criteria, allowable expenses, and funding timelines to ensure your nursing program fits the criteria for each grant.²

You can either write the proposal yourself or hire a third-party grant writer. Writing the grant in-house lets you maintain control and tailor the proposal to fit your institution’s specific needs. However, it can be time-consuming and may require specialized knowledge. On the other hand, using a professional grant writer can save time and improve your ability to craft a compelling proposal, though it may come with additional costs. Evaluate your resources and decide which approach makes sense for your nursing education program. ²

Next, prepare your application by gathering all necessary documentation, including a project proposal, budget breakdown, and performance benchmarks. Outline how the funding will be used to advance your educational initiatives and support your nursing students in their clinical goals. Be sure to submit your application by the deadline and double-check the submission requirements on the grant provider’s website to avoid any last-minute issues. ²

Federally Funded Grants for Nursing Education

Grant funding comes from many different sources and can be divided into 2 primary categories: federally funded grants and privately funded grants. ² Federal grants are funded by public revenue sources such as government agencies, public funds, or congressional appropriations. 

Several federal grants provide money for nursing education programs each year, giving students the resources and financial aid they need to be career-ready. Here are a few easily accessible federal grant options that can increase revenue for your nursing program:

Perkins Grant

Perkins V, officially titled the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, is the reauthorization of federal funding for vocational education. It allocates nearly $1.4 billion annually to expand access to career education for underserved communities. The Perkins Grant, in various forms, has supported vocational education for over a century. ³

Program Overview:

• Total funding: $1.4 billion annually
• Project period: 3-4 academic years

Allowable Expenses:

• Nursing curriculum
• Certification exams and assessments
• Equipment for nursing instruction
• Teacher salaries and professional development
• Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) advisor costs

Eligibility:

• Schools that apply for Perkins V must be one of the following:
• Public schools with Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs
• Nonprofit private schools with CTE programs
• Correctional institutions offering CTE to incarcerated people
• Secondary-level local educational agencies (LEAs) must qualify for a grant of at least $15,000 under the formula to apply for Perkins V. Those with smaller allocations must join a consortium to meet the minimum requirement.
• Schools must offer programs that meet the definitions of size, scope, and quality as outlined in their state's Perkins V plan.

How to Apply:

• Schools should review their state's Perkins V plan, which outlines specific eligibility requirements and performance benchmarks.
• Conduct a comprehensive local needs assessment to determine how funds will be used.
• Submit an application to the state education department, explaining how the funding will be used to advance educational initiatives and meet identified needs.
• Applications need to be submitted by deadlines set in the state plan for the upcoming year.

DOL Grants: Nursing Expansion Grant Program

The Department of Labor’s (DOL) Nursing Expansion Grant Program was established to address the critical shortage of nursing professionals in the U.S. healthcare system. This grant aims to diversify the nursing workforce by providing training opportunities for underrepresented and underserved communities. The program emphasizes creating career pathways that lead to high-quality jobs in nursing, improving healthcare services in communities that need it most. ⁴

The DOL program has 2 funding tracks: the Nurse Education Professional Track and the Nursing Career Pathways Track. Universities or institutions applying for this grant must carefully consider which track aligns best with their goals, capabilities, and target population. You cannot apply for both categories. ⁴

Program Overview:

• Total funding: $80 million
• Maximum award: $6 million
• Minimum award: $1 million
• Project period: 60 months
• Estimated number of awards: 25

Allowable Expenses:

• Training and hiring qualified nursing instructors
• Developing pathways for nursing professionals in underserved communities
• Classroom and on-the-job training for nursing assistants and higher-level nursing roles
• Supportive services to reduce employment barriers for aspiring nurses

Eligibility: 

• Applicants for this grant must fall into one of the following categories:
• Nonprofit healthcare organizations
• Community-based or faith-based organizations
• Nonprofit educational institutions such as community colleges, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs)
• Workforce development entities and labor organizations

How to Apply:

• Form a partnership including at least 4 employers, educational institutions, workforce development entities, and community organizations.
• Review the application guidelines on the DOL’s grants website.
• Submit a comprehensive application, including a project work plan and performance measures.
• Applications are due by the deadlines specified in the funding opportunity announcement.

HRSA Grants

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) offers multiple grant and scholarship programs that focus on supporting educational institutions and healthcare organizations in training, recruiting, and retaining skilled nursing professionals. HRSA’s grants emphasize addressing healthcare disparities by fostering workforce diversity and improving healthcare access in rural and underserved communities. ⁵

One notable HRSA program, the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program, provides funding to cover tuition and other educational expenses for nursing students in exchange for a service commitment in a Critical Shortage Facility (CSF). Other HRSA funding opportunities, such as the Advanced Nursing Education Workforce (ANEW) and Nurse Education, Practice, Quality, and Retention (NEPQR) grants, target specific needs such as advanced practice training, clinical education, and leadership development in nursing. ⁵

Program Overview:

• Nurse Corps Scholarship Program: Provides tuition, fees, and a living stipend for nursing students
• ANEW Program: Supports clinical training for nurse practitioners in primary care
• NEPQR: Focuses on nursing education quality, retention, and practice enhancement
• Total funding varies by program, typically ranging from $1 million to $2 million per recipient
• Project period: Generally 12-36 months, depending on the specific program and objectives

Allowable Expenses:

• Tuition and required fees for nursing students
• Living stipends for students during their education
• Development of clinical education programs and partnerships
• Leadership and professional development initiatives for faculty

Eligibility:

• Accredited educational institutions such as community colleges, universities, and nursing schools
• Nonprofit healthcare organizations committed to serving underserved populations
• Institutions providing clinical training in primary care, mental health, and community-based services

How to Apply:

• Identify the HRSA program that aligns with your institution’s needs and goals.
• Review application requirements on the HRSA Grants webpage.
• Submit a complete application, including a proposal narrative, budget plan, and performance measures.
• Applications must be submitted by the deadlines listed on the HRSA website for each specific program.

Nurse Corps Scholarship Program

The Nurse Corps Scholarship Program, funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), provides financial support to nursing students committed to working in underserved areas. This program addresses the national nursing shortage by fully covering tuition and offering a living stipend in exchange for a service commitment at Critical Shortage Facilities (CSFs). The goal is to build a nursing workforce that meets the needs of communities with limited access to healthcare. ⁶

This scholarship is for individual nursing students. While universities cannot directly apply for the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program, you can play a crucial role in supporting your students' applications and increasing awareness of this opportunity for students who plan to work in underserved areas. ⁶

Program Overview:

• Total scholarship value: $10,000
• Tuition and eligible fees covered
• Monthly living stipend: Approximately $1,500
• Awards Available: 225

Allowable Expenses:

• Tuition, books, and educational fees
• Educational supplies and equipment
• Monthly living expenses covered

Eligibility:

• Students enrolled in an accredited nursing program (ADN, BSN, or graduate level)
• Students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
• Students must be committed to serving in high-need facilities for at least 2 years post-graduation

How to Apply:

• Review guidelines and eligibility criteria on the HRSA Nurse Corps website.
• Submit an online application, including proof of enrollment and financial need documentation.
• Provide additional required documents, such as letters of recommendation and a statement of commitment to serving in a CSF.
• Monitor application deadlines and updates via the HRSA online portal.