AACN's Foundation for Academic Nursing Launches 2025 Faculty Scholars Grant Program

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 6, 2025 – 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 2025-2026 AACN Faculty Scholars Grant. Now in its fifth year, this initiative supports nurse educators whose scholarly work addresses pressing issues in nursing education and practice while advancing AACN’s strategic priorities. A total of $50,000 will be awarded to fund two faculty-led projects, each receiving $25,000 through 2026. The Foundation is pleased to welcome Wolters Kluwer, a global leader in trusted clinical technology and evidence-based healthcare solutions, as a sponsor of one of the two grants to be awarded this year.

"AACN is inspired by the innovative work led by faculty to transform nursing education," said AACN President and CEO Deborah Trautman. "Building on the success of past grant initiatives, this program reflects our shared commitment to advancing nursing education and ensuring a well-prepared nursing workforce."

For this year's cycle, the Foundation is seeking applications in two thematic areas:

• Integrating Health Policy into the Nursing Curriculum
  Preparing nurses to use their expertise and voice to shape public policy is essential to elevating the role of nursing in healthcare and the health of populations. AACN is seeking proposals to measure the impact of didactic and clinical learning experiences on teaching health policy to nursing students at the graduate and/or undergraduate level. Recognizing the importance of developing leaders and advocates, projects should focus on preparing nurses to influence health policy at the local, state, or national level.

• Using Artificial Intelligence in Nursing Education
  Sponsored by Wolters Kluwer
  Harnessing emerging technology is a top priority for nurses in education, research, and practice. AACN seeks proposals examining the use and impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in nursing education and learning assessment. Projects should focus on AI applications such as personalized learning platforms, chatbots, and automated assessments.

“Wolters Kluwer is proud to partner with AACN's Foundation for Academic Nursing in honoring nursing educators who leverage AI to foster innovation. These educators are pioneering new methods to enhance support for both students and faculty, while discovering efficiencies that ensure the next generation of nurses are practice ready," said Emily Lupash, Vice President, Nursing Education, Health Learning & Practice, Wolters Kluwer.

Award Details

AACN will award two $25,000 grants: one for projects exploring the use of AI in nursing education, and another for initiatives focused on integrating health policy into the nursing curriculum. All applications must be received by August 8, 2025. For complete details, including application and selection criteria, see the 2025 Call for Applications.

Faculty receiving funding must provide 6- and 12-month progress reports and share data findings and additional content with the academic nursing community 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.

For more details on the Faculty Scholars Grant program, including past grantees, visit the Foundation’s website.

Contributing to the Foundation for Academic Nursing

The Foundation for Academic Nursing is currently seeking support from philanthropies, corporate donors, and individuals looking to advance AACN's goals and priorities. Your support will help to expand our impact and usher in new innovations in nursing education and practice. Those wishing to contribute are encouraged to donate online via the AACN website. For more information, please contact foundation@aacnnursing.org.

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The Foundation for Academic Nursing is the philanthropic arm of AACN that raises funds to support new innovations in nursing education and practice. The Foundation serves as a focal point for AACN’s fundraising efforts while elevating the importance of academic nursing and our member schools in the philanthropic community.

Wolters Kluwer is a global leader in trusted clinical technology and evidence-based solutions that engage clinicians, patients, researchers and students in effective decision-making and outcomes across healthcare.

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) is the national voice for academic nursing representing more than 875 schools of nursing nationwide. AACN establishes quality standards for nursing education, influences the nursing profession to improve health care, and promotes public support of baccalaureate and graduate nursing education, research and practice.

CONTACT:

Robert Rosseter
(202) 463-6930 ext. 231
rrosseter@aacnnursing.org