Nursing Workforce Development (NWD)

The Nursing Workforce Development program is administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, specifically through the Bureau of Health Workforce and the Division of Nursing and Public Health. This federal initiative is designed to address critical shortages in the nursing workforce by expanding educational opportunities for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. The program reflects a broader federal priority to improve access to healthcare services by strengthening the pipeline of trained nurses, particularly in underserved and medically vulnerable communities. The primary purpose of the program is to increase the number of registered nurses from disadvantaged backgrounds by supporting evidence based educational environments. Funded projects are expected to implement comprehensive strategies that support recruitment, enrollment, retention, and graduation of nursing students. The program emphasizes building pathways from entry level nursing education through advanced degrees, including supporting associate degree nurses in obtaining baccalaureate degrees and preparing practicing nurses for advanced education. These efforts are intended to reduce barriers such as financial hardship, lack of mentorship, and limited access to academic resources. Funding under this opportunity supports a wide range of allowable activities, including pipeline programs, student support services, faculty recruitment, and partnerships with clinical and community organizations. Applicants must allocate at least thirty percent of their annual budget to participant or trainee support, which may include tuition, stipends, travel, and related educational costs. However, certain costs are explicitly prohibited, including construction, foreign travel, food expenses, and accreditation fees. There is no cost sharing requirement, although recipients must maintain a level of non federal spending consistent with prior fiscal years. Eligible applicants include accredited schools of nursing, academic health centers, nursing centers, and a broad range of domestic public and private nonprofit entities such as state and local health departments, community based organizations, and tribal entities. Individuals are not eligible to apply. Trainees supported by the program must meet specific citizenship or residency requirements, and each application must designate a single project director who is a licensed registered nurse. The program strongly encourages partnerships that expand clinical training opportunities and enhance educational environments. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov and require completion of multiple components, including a project narrative, budget and budget narrative, standardized work plan, and several required attachments such as accreditation documentation, staffing plans, and letters of support. The application process also requires organizational registration in SAM.gov and Grants.gov prior to submission. Applications are evaluated through a merit based review process that considers need, response strategy, performance management, impact, organizational capacity, and budget justification. The application deadline for this funding opportunity is July 8, 2026, with awards expected to be issued by September 1, 2026 and projects beginning on the same date. The period of performance spans four years, divided into four twelve month budget periods. Applicants are limited to a single submission, and late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Program evaluation and reporting are significant components of the award. Recipients must participate in federally designed evaluations, submit annual and quarterly reports, and track outcomes including student enrollment, retention, graduation, and post graduation employment. Projects must also demonstrate sustainability beyond the grant period and align with federal priorities related to public health, workforce development, and service to underserved populations. Contact for programmatic questions is available through HRSA staff, including a designated project officer and grants management specialist.

Align proposal with merit review criteria including need response and impact; ensure at least 30 percent of budget supports trainees; demonstrate strong partnerships and measurable outcomes