The American Nurses Foundation is launching a rapid request for proposals to award up to three $10,000 microgrants for nurse-led projects focused on AI and innovation in nursing. These grants are part of a broader effort to strengthen nurse leadership, especially among early-career nurses, by funding projects and supporting leadership development and peer learning. Nurses at all career stages can apply, but preference will go to bedside nurses with 3–5 years of experience who can partner with a C-suite nurse leader. Priority areas include using AI agents before procedures, creating nurse-friendly AI tools, and developing strategies to increase AI use in nursing while reducing skepticism. Applications are due February 17, 2026, with grantees to be notified in April, and an informational call will be held on November 19.
The microgrants are funded through a partnership with Hippocratic AI, described as a global leader in generative AI healthcare agents focused on quality care and nurse empowerment. Both ANF and Hippocratic AI emphasize that nurses are critical decision-makers and should be leaders in how AI is designed and used in healthcare. Hippocratic AI’s Chief Nursing Officer, Amy McCarthy, said the company wants to help nurses turn ideas into action by backing projects that show how AI can safely reduce burden, improve care delivery, and advance the profession. ANF’s Executive Director, Graig Eastin, highlighted that the goal is to support bold, actionable proposals that translate nurse-led ideas into evidence and real-world impact for patients and communities.