2026 Nursing Education Investment Grants Program

The Nursing Education Investment Grants Program provides funding to support projects that facilitate, coordinate with, or complement efforts to educate and train nurses through California community colleges and that address at least one funding priority described in the Application Guidelines. We anticipate awarding three or more grants that total up to $509,000. 

Eligible applicants must submit an application by March 12, 2026. Only one proposal per applicant may be submitted.

Proposed projects must align with the grant program’s purpose to facilitate, coordinate with, or complement efforts to educate and train nurses through California community colleges. 

Additionally, proposed projects must address at least one of the following priorities:

• Priority 1: Implement strategies in community college nursing education programs to strengthen the preparation of students, faculty, and/or program directors to effectively serve California’s varied health care environments, including rural communities and individuals who experience physical, communication, or financial barriers to accessing appropriate care.
• Priority 2: Increase the supply of nurses in specific regions of California with documented shortages.
• Priority 3: Create educational and career pathways through new, enhanced, replicated, or expanded programs that may include but are not limited to: remote or virtual learning, or the addition of student supports to meet basic needs and promote mental health. 
• Priority 4:  Promote academic progression to increase the number of students in ASN programs; and/or increase the number of registered nurses obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or higher degree.
• Priority 5: Provide academic, clinical, and/or other work-based learning opportunities in varied clinical placement settings (e.g., hospitals, outpatient clinics, urgent care centers, or day treatment for mental health, dialysis clinics, blood bank, etc.), that ensure nurses are well-prepared to assume evolving and expanded roles in changing practice environments.

The full Application Guidelines can be found on the Nursing Education Investment Grants Program website.