Microgrants for Research on AI and Innovation in Nursing

The American Nurses Foundation, in collaboration with Hippocratic AI, is offering a new funding opportunity titled "Microgrants for Research on AI and Innovation in Nursing." This program aims to empower nurse-led teams to explore and implement innovative solutions involving artificial intelligence (AI) to improve nursing practice and patient care. The foundation, a philanthropic arm of the American Nurses Association, focuses on supporting nurse-led research and initiatives that drive systemic change. Hippocratic AI, a pioneer in generative AI for healthcare, contributes funding and support to ensure that nurses—recognized as critical decision-makers—lead innovation in healthcare delivery. The grant program will award up to three microgrants, each valued at $10,000, to early-career nurse-led teams. The emphasis is on enabling frontline clinical nurses, particularly those with 3–5 years of bedside experience, to partner with senior nurse leaders and translate their insights into practical, scalable AI-driven solutions. Applicants are encouraged to design projects that use AI to address current challenges in nursing practice such as care delivery improvement, workload reduction, and increasing AI adoption among nurses. Proposals should clearly align with the goals of the microgrant and demonstrate feasibility and implementation clarity. Priority areas of interest for the grants include developing AI tools that assist in patient preparation, creating nurse-friendly AI interactions, and strategies for reducing skepticism around AI in clinical environments. This microgrant initiative is part of a broader leadership and peer-learning initiative aimed at fostering early innovation by nurses. In doing so, it positions nurses as not only users but also creators of healthcare technology. The application deadline is February 17, 2026, at 4:00 PM Eastern Time, with submissions accepted through the American Nurses Foundation’s online submission portal. An informational call for interested applicants is scheduled for November 19, 2025, at 4:00 PM EST, accessible via a public dial-in link. No pre-registration is required for this call. Selected grantees will be notified in April 2026. While specific award and performance timelines beyond this notification period are not detailed, the rapid turnaround suggests projects may be expected to begin shortly thereafter. There are no noted requirements for pre-application submissions such as letters of intent or concept papers, making the process accessible and streamlined. For inquiries related to the program, Rick Keating serves as the media contact at Hippocratic AI and can be reached at 917-767-2400 or via email at [email protected]. More information about the American Nurses Foundation and its initiatives is available at https://www.nursingworld.org/foundation/.

Align proposals with AI innovation goals and clear implementation plans.