Nursing Workforce Diversity

The Nursing Workforce Diversity (NWD) program is a federal initiative administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. HRSA focuses on improving health care for people who are geographically isolated and economically or medically vulnerable. Within HRSA’s broader mission, the NWD program supports efforts to address persistent disparities in the nursing workforce by targeting underrepresentation and enhancing access to nursing education for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. The core purpose of the NWD program is to provide financial and strategic support to institutions and organizations aiming to diversify the nursing profession. Through this funding opportunity, HRSA seeks to enhance educational pathways and career opportunities in nursing for students from historically underrepresented populations. By doing so, the program intends to promote health equity and improve care delivery across diverse patient populations, particularly in underserved communities. The program’s activities may include scholarships, stipends, mentorship programs, academic enrichment, and support services that reduce barriers to entry and progression in nursing education. This grant opportunity is categorized under discretionary grants and aligns with federal efforts to strengthen the U.S. health system. The available funding for the Fiscal Year 2026 cycle is approximately $20,000,000, with an estimated 36 awards to be distributed. Individual award amounts are expected to range up to $555,000, and cost-sharing or matching requirements are not applicable for this program. The award ceiling indicates the maximum annual funding per project, allowing flexibility for varying project scopes and institutional capacities. Eligible applicants include a wide array of entities committed to nursing education and workforce development. This includes accredited schools of nursing, nursing centers, academic health centers, state and local health departments, tribal organizations, faith-based and community-based organizations, and both public and private nonprofit institutions. The eligibility criteria emphasize inclusivity while maintaining a focus on applicants with the infrastructure to deliver comprehensive educational and support services to disadvantaged students. Applicants are required to submit their applications electronically via Grants.gov no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on May 21, 2026. While no pre-application steps such as letters of intent are listed as mandatory, it is critical for prospective applicants to prepare well in advance due to the competitive nature of the award and the comprehensive nature of program planning and documentation required. Evaluation criteria for applications have not been specified in the forecast, but typically align with program goals, including demonstrated need, program design, expected outcomes, and organizational capacity. The anticipated award and project start date is September 1, 2026, aligning with the federal fiscal year calendar. The NWD program is a recurring opportunity and is expected to be announced on a similar timeline in subsequent years, allowing institutions to plan strategically for future applications. For any questions regarding this opportunity, applicants are encouraged to contact Aja Williams at 301-945-9658 or via email at [email protected].