AARP, the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN Critical Care), and the Future of Nursing: Campaign for Action, an initiative of AARP Foundation, AARP, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, are pleased to announce a request for proposals through the 2024 Health Equity and Nursing Innovations Fund: Nursing Workforce and Healthy Work Environments. We are seeking creative, replicable, and promising systemic changes that strengthen and diversify the nursing workforce, expand innovative nurse recruitment and retention strategies, and create and sustain healthy work environments. Awards of up to $25,000 will be granted and administered by the AARP Center for Health Equity through Nursing^SM (A-CHEN).

Our nation cannot address and dismantle structural racism and eliminate health disparities without the partnership and innovation of nurses. Nor can nurses optimally contribute to care delivery across the continuum without healthy work environments. If health equity is to be realized, ongoing support will be required to ensure a strong nursing workforce and healthy work environments across all care settings where nurses practice. As stated in the National Academy of Medicine report, The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity, “Nurses, then, have a critical role to play in achieving the goal of health equity. But to take on the pursuit of that goal, they need robust education, supportive work environments, and autonomy.”  

Applications for these awards are due by April 5, 2024. An informational webinar will be held on February 20, 2024.

Complete information about the awards, eligibility criteria, an application, and other details can be found at https://campaignforaction.org/2024-innovations-fund/.

AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability, and personal fulfillment.

AACN Critical Care is the world’s largest specialty nursing organization, with more than 130,000 members and nearly 200 chapters in the United States. To achieve its vision of a health care system driven by the needs of patients and families, where nurses make their optimal contribution, AACN Critical Care’s advocacy priority is to establish and sustain healthy work environments that support nursing excellence.

The Future of Nursing: Campaign for Action is an initiative of AARP Foundation, AARP, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Through its state Action Coalitions, the Campaign works with policymakers, health care professionals, educators, and business leaders to respond to the country’s increasing demand for safe, high-quality, and effective health care. The Campaign’s vision is that everyone in America can live a healthier life, advanced by equity-minded nurses as essential and valued partners in providing care and promoting health equity and well-being.