AACN's Foundation for Academic Nursing LaunchesCOVID-19 Nursing Student Support Fund

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 15, 2020 - The Foundation for Academic Nursing, the new philanthropic arm of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), is pleased to announce the creation of the COVID-19 Nursing Student Support Fund to assist students whose education and lives have been directly impacted by the coronavirus. The Fund, which will help nursing students nationwide who need financial assistance to complete their degrees, is the brainchild of Darlene J. Curley who also provided its generous support. Ms. Curley is an Honorary Associate Member of AACN, whose distinguished career in nursing has included service as a health policy leader, Maine State Legislator, Executive Director of Jonas Nursing & Veterans Healthcare at Columbia University, and Chief Executive Officer of Jonas Philanthropies in New York City.

"To help support nursing students across the country who serve on the frontlines of the battle against COVID-19, I am pleased to donate $25,000 to open this fund and provide assistance where needed," said Ms. Curley.  "I challenge others to contribute additional financial support to this effort, as we are all in this together, and we all will benefit by supporting nursing students entering the workforce." Those wishing to contribute are encouraged to donate online via the AACN Website.

The COVID-19 Nursing Student Support Fund will provide one-time grants to nursing students enrolled in AACN member schools who need financial support to complete their nursing programs and/or meet life expenses. Priority will be given to entry-level students in baccalaureate and master's programs in the final two semesters of their nursing programs. Applications also will be accepted from students in baccalaureate degree completion programs, traditional master's, and doctoral programs. With $25,000 in funding available, 50 awards in the amount of $500 will be made directly to nursing students, with the goal of funding one student in all 50 states. All applications will be reviewed, and recipients will be selected by AACN with funds distributed via its philanthropic arm.

"AACN applauds Darlene Curley for her leadership and commitment to supporting nursing students during these challenging times," said AACN President and Chief Executive Officer Deborah Trautman. "Her generosity will impact students in every state who are facing unique challenges on their journey to entering the nursing workforce. We encourage other corporate donors and individuals to contribute to this fund and help magnify the impact we all can have by supporting the nation's nursing student population."

Students interested in applying for an award must complete an online application posted on the AACN website. Students applying must be enrolled full-time, confirm that they are enrolled in an AACN member school, and provide contact information for their advisor who can confirm that the student is in good standing. Applications must be received by April 27; those selected for funding will be notified by May 4.

Contributing to the COVID-19 Nursing Student Support Fund

The Foundation for Academic Nursing is seeking additional support from other corporate and individual donors for this fund to expand our ability to help more nursing students in need. Those wishing to contribute are encouraged to donate online via the AACN Website. Those with questions about making a contribution are encouraged to contact Marta Okoniewski, AACN's Director of Student Engagement, at mokoniewski@aacnnursing.org.