News from the American Nurses Foundation: Nursing Research Grants Program

Abstract

Since 1955, the American Nurses Foundation (ANF) has supported more than 900 studies through its research grants program. The purpose of the ANF Nursing Research Grants Program is to encourage the research career development of all nurses. To effectively achieve this goal, the program supports research of both beginning and experienced nurse researchers. Grant funding, ranging from $3500 to $20,000, comes from a variety of sources that includes endowments, individuals, and organizations. Named awards generated by ANF endowment funds include the Virginia Cleland Scholar, Dorothy Cornelius Scholar, Julia Hardy Scholar, Virginia Kelley, CRNA Scholar, Jean E. Johnson Scholar, Sayre Memorial Fund Scholar, Virginia Stone Scholar, and the Anne Zimmerman Scholar. Organizations who contributed to the ANF research program in 2002 include the ANA, ANF/Sigma Theta Tau, American Association of Critical Care Nurses, Aventis Pasteur, Burrell Family Foundation, Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools, Friends of the National Institute of Nursing Research, GlaxoSmithKline, Hyundai Motor America, Merck Company Foundation, Nurses Charitable Trust District V FNA, Regional Nursing Research Societies, Wyeth-Ayerst Women's Health Research Institute, and Wyeth Lederle Vaccines. Individuals also have contributed awards. Each application to the ANF Nursing Research Grants Program receives a careful review by the Research Review Committee. Proposals are judged on scientific merit with critique based on the following criteria: significance, approach, innovation, environment, strength of investigator and research team, attention to human subjects protection or other protections (animals), and justified budget, as defined in the 2004 ANF NRG booklet. The 12 members of the committee are expert, doctorally-prepared nurse researchers from a wide range of specialty areas. The Committee is committed to contributing to the career advancement of nurse researchers by providing thoughtful feedback in the hope that they will advance their thinking about their program of research. Historically, grant applications are due on May 1st, and this year is no different! Watch the ANF Website carefully for detailed instructions related to submitting a research grant. ANF is proud of their research grant recipients. The names of awardees are listed in The American Nurse (TAN), ANF Foundation Focus, and on the ANF Website. Since 1999, the abstracts of the scholars who have completed their research have been published in the ANF Annual Report. ANF also takes delight in the fact that past grant recipients have received subsequent funding to expand their programs of research based on findings from studies that were funded through the Nursing Research Grants Program. The 2004 ANF NRG booklet is now available. Call the ANF Grants Hotline at (202) 651-7298 to be added to the mailing list, or e-mail [email protected] . For general information regarding the Nursing Research Grants Program, call (202) 651-7227, or visit www.ANFonline.org. ANF encourages nurse researchers to apply for NRG grants because nurse researchers continue to impact health outcomes, improve the processes of the delivery of care, and enhance the quality of work life for nurses. The American Nurses Foundation (ANF) is a nonprofit 501©3 charitable organization. Contributions in support of ANF programs, such as Nursing Research Grants, may be mailed to: American Nurses Foundation, PO Box 96441, Washington, DC 20090-6441 or online at http://www.anfonline.org.