NFW Educational Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Wisconsin Nurses Association
Overview
Description: The Nurses Foundation of Wisconsin provides financial assistance to registered nurses who are pursuing further nursing education in Wisconsin. The award targets nurses enrolled in Wisconsin state-based, NLN- or CCNE-accredited programs leading to BSN completion, a master’s degree (non-APRN), or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in roles other than APRN.
Eligibility: Applicants must hold a current Wisconsin RN license and be members of the Wisconsin Nurses Association. Candidates must be enrolled in the academic year following application and demonstrate both financial need and potential to advance professional nursing in the state.
The Foundation seeks applicants who will contribute to the advancement of professional nursing in Wisconsin. Awards support degree completion and encourage leadership and service within the state’s nursing community. Applications that do not meet the stated eligibility criteria will not proceed to review.
- Target: Wisconsin RNs advancing nursing education and practice
- Programs: BSN completion, master’s (non-APRN), or DNP (non-APRN) in Wisconsin
- Must be a current Wisconsin RN and WNA member
Award
Award Value: Up to $4,000 is available for this year’s scholarships, with funding provided through donations to the Nurses Foundation of Wisconsin.
Award amounts may be distributed to one or multiple recipients at the Foundation’s discretion. The award is intended to offset education-related expenses for eligible nursing students. Specific award disbursement details are determined after recipient selection and Board approval.
- Maximum single-year allocation: $4,000
- Funded by NFW donations
- Distribution and number of awards determined by the Board
Qualifications
Eligibility: Applicants must hold an active Wisconsin RN license, be WNA members, and be enrolled in an NLN- or CCNE-accredited, Wisconsin-based nursing program for BSN completion, a master’s degree (excluding APRN preparation), or a DNP program (excluding APRN preparation).
Candidates must be enrolled for the academic year immediately following the application and demonstrate both financial need and the potential to contribute to professional nursing in Wisconsin. Verification of program enrollment and accreditation is required. Applications that fail to document these qualifications will be disqualified.
- Active Wisconsin RN license required
- WNA membership required
- Enrollment in an accredited Wisconsin nursing program for the upcoming academic year
- Demonstrated financial need and potential to contribute to nursing in Wisconsin
Process
Application Timeline: Completed applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm on the September due date. Applications are reviewed by the NFW Educational Scholarships and Grants Committee and finalist names are forwarded to the NFW Board of Directors for approval at the October Board meeting.
Selected recipients will be notified no later than November 1, 2026. Awardee names will be announced at the virtual WNA Annual Meeting on January 16, 2027, and recipients are asked to attend. The Committee and Board oversee finalist selection and award approval in accordance with Foundation procedures.
- Submission deadline: 11:59 pm on the September due date
- Committee review followed by Board approval in October
- Notification by November 1, 2026; announcement January 16, 2027
Application Requirements
Required Documents: Applicants must complete the online application form and upload electronic copies of all required documents. The application packet must include proof of licensure, enrollment, membership, and evidence supporting professional goals and financial need.
Required uploads include a copy of the Wisconsin RN license, proof of WNA membership, evidence of acceptance/enrollment in an accredited Wisconsin nursing program, a curriculum vitae or resume, a letter to the Committee outlining professional goals and plans to contribute to nursing in Wisconsin (the use of AI chat functions must be referenced), a one-page summary of progress in the course of study, one letter of support, and a written description of financial need. Applications from previous NFW winners will not be considered.
- Copy of the Wisconsin RN license
- Evidence of WNA membership
- Evidence of acceptance/enrollment in an NLN- or CCNE-accredited, Wisconsin-based BSN completion, master’s, or DNP program
- Curriculum vitae or resume
- A letter to the Committee including:
- Professional goals
- Plans for contributing to professional nursing in Wisconsin (reference any use of AI chat functions)
- Progress summary related to the course of study (one page maximum)
- One letter of support demonstrating the applicant’s qualifications
- Written description of financial need
- All materials must be uploaded via the online application
- Documentation must verify licensure, enrollment, and membership
- Previous NFW scholarship recipients are ineligible