Kelsi Altman, LPN   

“I am incredibly honored to be selected as a recipient of the 2025 LPN to RN Scholarship. This generous support is helping me take the next step in my nursing career and is making a meaningful difference in my ability to focus on my education without the added stress of financial hardship.

Returning to school as an LPN has been a dream of mine, and this scholarship brings me closer to achieving my goal of becoming a registered nurse. I am passionate about providing excellent patient care and continuing to grow as a compassionate and skilled healthcare professional.

Thank you to those who make this scholarship possible. Your investment in my future means the world to me, and I look forward to serving my community and paying this kindness forward in my nursing journey.”

Vita Mikhaylishin, LPN   

"Many of us have ambitious dreams for our futures, aspirations that drive us to pursue or continue higher education. Being rewarded with a scholarship this Spring season brings hope and new possibilities, nurturing my dream even more. The TNF scholarship would significantly alleviate the financial burden of college tuition, allowing me to focus more on my studies and devote meaningful time to my family rather than the stress of looming debt. With this support, I can strive towards achieving my goals and making the most of my education."

Hallie Allison       

“How this scholarship will help me accomplish my academic and professional goals:

The TNF Regional Educational Scholarship is not just financial support—it’s peace of mind. While I still need to take out student loans to afford school, this award reduces the overall amount I’ll owe, and that’s incredibly meaningful. It allows me to move forward with less financial burden and more focus on what truly matters: becoming a nurse who listens deeply, advocates fiercely, and serves communities that are too often overlooked. Every bit of support matters, and this one makes a real difference in both my education and the future patients I’ll serve.”

Rachel Arney

  "My name is Rachel Arney, and I am currently a student at East Tennessee State University enrolled in the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. I am incredibly honored and sincerely grateful to be selected as a recipient of the Tennessee Nurses Foundation Scholarship. Receiving this $5,000 scholarship is a tremendous blessing that has deeply impacted my educational journey. It significantly eases the financial burden of nursing school, allowing me to fully focus on my coursework, clinical experiences, and continued growth as a compassionate caregiver. I am better able to dedicate my time and energy to learning how to provide safe, empathetic, and high-quality care to my future patients. My passion for nursing is rooted in a deep desire to serve others with both skill and heart. Growing up in East Tennessee has put a calling in my heart to give care quality care in my community. I believe empathy and compassion are essential qualities in healthcare, and I strive each day to embody these values in my studies and interactions. This scholarship moves me one step closer to fulfilling my dream of becoming a nurse who makes a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families across Tennessee. Thank you for investing in my future and for supporting nursing students who are committed to serving their communities.”

Madeline Burton

“My name is Madeline Burton, and I am a student at Union University in the traditional BSN program. I am extremely humbled to be a recipient of the TNF Regional Educational Scholarship. This scholarship will significantly help ease some of the financial burden that tuition upholds in my life. Receiving this scholarship will allow me to further focus on my studies.

The scholarship itself is not only a generous gesture, but an affirmation to myself of the passion I have for the field of nursing. It is such a gift to me and will be a lasting testament of faith. The faith that TNF has seen in me is such an honor. I hope that in the future, I can be the nurse that uplifts patients on their worst days and their cheerleader on the best days. I want to extend my gratitude to the Tennessee Nurses Foundation for their support in my pursuit of being the best nurse I can be.”

Carley Kirkpatrick

“Thank you to the Tennessee Nursing Foundation for awarding me a $5,000 scholarship. This generous support brings me closer to achieving my nursing goals and allows me to focus on my final year without the stress of tuition costs. I’m passionate about providing compassionate care to older adults in geriatric or hospice settings and plan to pursue my Nurse Practitioner degree after graduation. Your investment in my education means so much—not just to me, but to the patients I will serve."

LEADERSHIP NURSING GRANT PROGRAM

Program Purpose

The Tennessee Nurses Foundation (TNF) Leadership Nursing Program is a grant initiative designed to enhance nursing leadership abilities by establishing a statewide network of nurse leaders, expanding nurses' community knowledge, and motivating them to serve as role models of increased community involvement.

Eligibility Process

TNF recognizes that additional training may be required in order for nurses to participate in public policy development. This program provides an opportunity for RNs to choose a local, regional, state, or national program to develop these skills.

Participation is limited to registered nurses who are members of the Tennessee Nurses Association (TNA). You must be practicing in Tennessee and demonstrating leadership qualities, with a commitment to professional growth and a larger role in community leadership.

Nursing Research Grants

The Tennessee Nurses Foundation provides grants to nurses who are members of the Tennessee Nurses Association engaging in scientific and other research projects focusing on nursing practice.

Grant applications are reviewed twice each year.
Submission deadline dates per fiscal year are the last day of September and March. If you miss a deadline, your grant application will not be reviewed until after the next deadline date.