Focus on Foundation
The 2020–2025 FNF Impact Report tells a powerful story, one of generosity, resilience, and a deep commitment to supporting nurses at every stage of their professional journey.
At its core, the Florida Nurses Foundation exists to champion and empower Florida nurses by funding initiatives that strengthen our profession. Guided by a vision of a healthier Florida powered by the strength, innovation, and compassion of nurses, FNF has remained steadfast in its mission, despite unprecedented challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and repeated natural disasters affecting communities across our state.
Impact at a Glance
Between 2020 and 2025, the Florida Nurses Foundation invested $173,500 directly into nursing education, research, emergency assistance, and professional development. During this period, FNF:
- Supported 217 nursing students through scholarships
- Funded 16 nurse-led research projects
- Provided emergency assistance to 54 registered nurses
- Awarded 28 advocacy scholarships through the Barbara Lumpkin Institute
- Sponsored 10 professional conferences
- Raised more than $405,000 in direct contributions, largely from nurses supporting their own profession
These numbers represent more than financial totals, they reflect lives changed, careers launched, and nurses supported when they needed it most.
Expanding Access Through Scholarships
Education remains a cornerstone of FNF’s work. With more than 30 named scholarship funds, the Foundation supports nursing students across Florida, from associate degree programs to doctoral study. Over the past five years, $117,250 in scholarship support has helped reduce financial barriers for students pursuing nursing degrees, advancing careers, and preparing the next generation of nurse leaders.
The true value of this work is best captured in the words of our scholarship recipients, students balancing coursework, clinical training, work, and family responsibilities. Time and again, recipients tell us that FNF scholarships not only ease financial strain but also provide encouragement and affirmation that the profession is invested in their success.
Advancing Nursing Knowledge Through Research
Nursing-led research is essential to improving patient care and advancing evidence-based practice. Through 10 named research grant funds, the Florida Nurses Foundation has supported 16 studies over the past five years, providing resources that allow nurses and nursing students to explore innovative solutions to complex healthcare challenges.
In addition, FNF’s longstanding support of the Florida Nurses Association Research Conference has expanded opportunities for scholarly exchange, reaching hundreds of nurses statewide and strengthening research literacy across practice, education, and leadership settings.
Standing with Nurses in Times of Need
Perhaps no program better reflects the heart of the Foundation than Nurses in Need. This confidential assistance program provides emergency financial support to registered nurses facing hardship due to illness, disability, aging, or unexpected life events.
Over the past five years, FNF provided approximately $27,000 in emergency assistance to 54 nurses, including those impacted by Hurricanes Ian, Nicole, Idalia, Milton, and Helene, as well as nurses affected during the COVID-19 pandemic. In moments of crisis, the Foundation responded with compassion, dignity, and timely support, affirming that nurses are never alone.
Developing Nurse Leaders and Advocates
Through education and advocacy initiatives, including the Barbara Lumpkin Institute, FNF continues to strengthen nursing leadership across Florida. By awarding advocacy scholarships and supporting participation in Advocacy Days and the FNA Membership Assembly, the Foundation helps nurses use their voices to shape health policy and influence the future of healthcare in our state.
Each year, the Foundation’s Scholarship Awards Luncheon, held during the FNA Membership Assembly, offers a meaningful opportunity to celebrate students, researchers, and donors—bringing together the full circle of giving and impact.
Building a Lasting Legacy
Long-term sustainability is essential to our mission. Between 2020 and 2025, FNF established several new endowed funds, honoring nursing leaders and benefactors while ensuring lasting support for scholarships, research, and Nurses in Need initiatives. These endowments reflect donor confidence in the Foundation and a shared commitment to investing in nursing for generations to come.
Gratitude and a Call to Continue
None of this impact would be possible without the generosity of our donors, most of whom are nurses themselves. Your contributions demonstrate the collective power of nurses who support their profession and invest in one another.
As we look ahead, the Florida Nurses Foundation remains committed to expanding opportunity, advancing innovation, and standing with nurses in moments of challenge and growth. Together, we are not only supporting nurses but also strengthening the health of Florida.
Thank you for being part of this important work. To read the report go to www.floridanurse.org/Foundation
Please consider donating to the Florida Nurses Foundation to support our work.
