RCN Foundation open biannual education and career development grants for nurses, midwives and healthcare support workers
The RCN Foundation Autumn education and career development grants support those working within nursing and midwifery to develop professionally, upskill themselves and enhance the care they give to patients. Grants can be used to undertake undergraduate degrees, postgraduate qualifications and professional training. You do not need to be an RCN member to apply for an education grant.
Of the other grants open, funding available ranges from £1,000 to £1,600 to support with continuous professional development. These are open to nurses, midwives, nursing associates, maternity assistants, healthcare support workers and students however, each grant has specific eligibility criteria attached. Applicants must begin their study between January 2026 and January 2027. The closing date for applications is 22 September 2025.
Deepa Korea, RCN Foundation Director: “RCN Foundation education grants play a vital role in supporting individuals wishing to pursue learning and development opportunities, which that not only advance their careers, but also enhance the quality of care they provide to patients. In 2024 alone, we supported the professional development and training of 122 individuals through education grants totalling £183,000. We are delighted to continue our valued partnership with The Needlemakers Company and to launch a new grant specifically for graduates looking to retrain as nurses. This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to investing in the future of nursing and midwifery. Whether you are a nurse, midwife, healthcare support worker or student, I strongly encourage you to explore the funding opportunities available and to apply for an RCN Foundation education grant.”
To find out more and to apply, visit the RCN Foundation web page
About the RCN Foundation
The RCN Foundation is an independent charity whose purpose is to support and strengthen nursing and midwifery to improve the health and wellbeing of the public. It is there for every current and former nurse, midwife, and health care support worker, as well as students and nursing associates. The Foundation supports individual members of the nursing and midwifery teams by providing grants to those who are facing hardship, or who want to enhance their skills and develop their practice; it invests in the professions by funding nursing and midwifery-led projects; and it champions nursing and midwifery by supporting projects that raise the profile of the profession and highlight the contribution that nursing and midwifery makes to improving the nation’s health.
The Foundation is chaired by Professor Jane Cummings CBE, a former Chief Nursing Officer for England.
Registered charity number: SC043663 (Scotland) 1134606 (England and Wales)
For more information about the charity visit rcnfoundation.org.uk