The Nursing Foundation of Rhode Island is a non-profit organization committed to promote nursing through the awarding of scholarships and research grants and to preserve the history of nursing in Rhode Island. Over the years the Foundation has awarded student nurse scholarships to more than 150 undergraduate and graduate students attending Rhode Island nursing education programs including the Community College of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, Salve Regina University, St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing and the University of Rhode Island.

Many of the students who have received scholarships are non-traditional students trying to juggle their studies with work and family responsibilities, including child rearing.

The Nursing Foundation of Rhode Island initiated the Clare Sullivan Nurse Leader graduate scholarship named after a noted Rhode Island nurse leader and founding member of the Nursing Foundation’s Board of Trustees who died during 1998. Clare Sullivan Nurse Leader scholarships of $1,000 have been awarded to nine individuals.

The Foundation also provides small research grants of up to $2500. Research grants are used to support research on clinical nursing that will improve patient care and for nursing education research that will improve curriculum and/or retention of students. Projects have included studies on the effectiveness of patient care models, ethics and human rights in nursing practice.

In addition, the Foundation has provided financial support to both the R.I. State Nurses Association and the R.I. State Student Nurses Association to assist with various educational programs and conferences.

The Foundation will consider any proposal of benefit to nursing. For more information email us at nfri@rinursingfoundation.org.