Faculty Scholars Grant Program

The Foundation for Academic Nursing, the philanthropic arm of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), is pleased to announce the call for applications for the 2026 AACN Faculty Scholars Grant Program.

Overview

A total of $50,000 in funding will be distributed to support two $25,000 nurse faculty-led projects through 2027.

The focus of these scholarly activities will reflect current issues in nursing education or practice and support of AACN’s strategic priorities.

2026-2027 Academic Year Theme: Integrating Emerging Technologies into the Nursing Curriculum

AACN will fund two $25,000 grants for pilot studies to measure student outcomes using emerging technologies in nursing education. Recognizing the rapidly changing environment for both didactic and clinical education, AACN seeks applications focused on the implementation of innovative technologies in nursing education and how they impact student academic success at either the undergraduate or graduate level. During the grant period, faculty researchers will investigate how tools, including simulation platforms, artificial intelligence, and other advancing technologies, can be meaningfully incorporated into nursing education to enhance the quality and effectiveness of instruction. Faculty will examine the direct impact of technological integrations on student outcomes, including clinical competency, critical thinking, knowledge retention, and overall preparedness for practice. The program aims to generate evidence-based insights that can inform curriculum development and position nursing education at the forefront of an increasingly technology-driven healthcare landscape.

Faculty Commitment

Faculty receiving funding must provide two progress reports and share data, findings, and additional content with the membership through AACN’s website, Syllabus newsletter, and social media. Scholars are expected to present an AACN webinar and submit a manuscript for publication to the Journal of Professional Nursing.

Application Criteria & Process

Applicants must apply via an online form and submit no later than August 7, 2026 at 11:59 pm (ET). All faculty from AACN member schools are eligible to apply. In the event of a team application, the Primary Project Manager must represent a member school. We recommend that you draft your application prior to completing it online, though the application can be saved as you progress. All four elements of the application must be completed: General Information, Project Team Information, Project Information, and your Commitment Statement.

Please read the directions below before accessing the online application.

Application Contents

  • Name and contact information for the Primary Project Manager. In the event of a team application, this person will be the primary correspondent.
  • Primary Project Manager employment information:
    • Position (FT/PT)
    • Years in role
    • Number of direct reports
    • Title of the person to whom you report
    • Name of the person to whom you report
    • Brief biographical sketch (250 words)
  • Confirm permission to submit application through appropriate channels

Complete the following template. This form is the location to share pertinent information for all your teammates.

  • Use the template found here.
  • Follow document naming convention provided below.

  • Project Title (no more than 12 words)
  • Identify the theme you will be addressing. A list of suggested areas is below, though it is not exhaustive.
    Integrating Emerging Technologies in Nursing Education  
    • Application of emerging technologies in nursing education
    • Assessment of student outcomes and/or competencies using innovative tools
    • Development and measurement of personalized learning platforms, chatbots, and automated assessments and how they impact student learning
    • Innovative clinical experiences incorporating new methods of implementation and evaluation
  • How relevant is this project to nursing knowledge? (150-word limit)
  • How closely does this project align with the theme for this year?(150-word limit)
  • What is the perceived impact of this project? (150-word limit)
  • Project Proposal (1,200-word limit)
    • Use the template found here.
    • Follow the document naming convention provided below.
    • In a Word document, please describe the:
      • Background/Introduction
      • Purpose
      • Methods or Intervention/Procedure
      • Expected Results
      • Limitations
      • Expected Conclusions/Implications for Practice
  • Dean Letter of Support
    • Follow document naming convention provided below.
  • Project Budget
    • Note: Use of this money is at the discretion of the school. Indirect costs are allowed but should not exceed 10% and should be included at the discretion of the applicant(s) and the school.
    • Use the template found here.
    • Follow document naming convention provided below.

  • Recipients will be responsible for six-month interim and final reports, which will be due in March 2027 and October 2027.
  • Reports/findings will be shared with the AACN membership via our website, Syllabus newsletter, and social media.
  • Scholars will be expected to present at an AACN webinar and submit a manuscript for publication to the Journal of Professional Nursing.

This application will require the upload of four items. The following naming conventions are required: “Last Name_ITEM_Date”, example Smith_TEAM_8.7.2026.

  • Last Name_PROPOSAL_Date
  • Last Name_TEAM_Date
  • Last Name_LTR SUPPORT_Date
  • Last Name_BUDGET_Date

When uploading your items, please verify that they are in final format, i.e. no track changes are evident.


Timeline

  • May 5, 2026 - Application period opens 
  • August 7, 2026 - Application period closes
  • Early November 2026 - Recipient notified, awarded, and announced
  • March 2027 - Interim report submission
  • October 2027 - Final report submission
  • December 2027/January 2028 - Plan to share and disseminate reports and findings with AACN membership through a webinar and manuscript submission

Review & Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed and selected by an expert committee appointed by the AACN Board of Directors. Reviewers will score applications using the rubric found here. Applicants will be notified of acceptance by early November 2026.

Dispersal of the Grant

Two projects will be selected and awarded a $25,000 grant. The Primary Project Manager will receive notification, necessary documentation, and reporting information. Award monies will be distributed to the school of the Primary Project Manager for appropriate dispersal. Please provide the appropriate contact information for this person in your “Timeline & Budget” Template.

Thank you for your interest in this program. When you are prepared to submit your application, please use the button below.

Apply Now

Contact

Katie Fioravanti, PhD, MSN
Foundation Director
kfioravanti@aacnnursing.org