AVAILABLE AWARDS
These awards are made available through four key funding streams, each designed to meet the diverse needs of Ontario’s nursing community.
SEE ALL AVAILABLE AWARDSThe Registered Nurses’ Foundation of Ontario (RNFOO) is proud to support the professional growth and well-being of nurses and nursing students across the province. We offer a variety of financial awards and scholarships.
RNFOO offers a diverse portfolio of awards that support nurses and nursing students across specialties and educational levels—made possible by generous donors who share a vision for advancing healthcare in Ontario.
ACADEMIC AWARDS
Applications open each December through January. Awards range from $1,000 to $3,000 and are available to:
- Nurses registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario (including graduate-level students)
- Students in practical nursing programs approved by the CNO
- Students in baccalaureate nursing programs accredited by CASN and approved by the CNO
PRACTICE AWARDS
Applications open in spring. The Nurses in Practice stream offers two award categories7 7plus the Nursing Innovator Grant below:
- Legacy Award
- Special Interest Awards
These awards support continuing education, innovative practice ideas, and special project funding.
NURSING INNOVATOR GRANT
Applications open in spring under the Nurses in Practice stream.
How far can RNFOO go in supporting nursing innovation? As far as the vision of our volunteers and the generosity of our donors will take us.
Ontario’s nurses have shown extraordinary potential to drive meaningful change in healthcare. At RNFOO, we’re proud to support their bold ideas—and we have a strong team of dedicated volunteers ready to assess proposals, select recipients, and steward innovative projects.
To do more, we need:
- New and continuing donors who are passionate about advancing nursing innovation
- Volunteers with insight, connections, and energy to help expand our reach
Together, we can build a healthier future—powered by Ontario nurses.
HERBERT T. BAILY MEMORIAL FUND FOR NURSES RECOVERING FROM ILLNESS OR INJURY
This unique fund is available year-round and supports nurses who, due to illness or injury, are no longer able to continue in their original nursing role.
Eligibility includes:
- Currently or formerly registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario
- Unable to return to previous nursing work due to medical impairment
- A reasonable expectation of returning to the profession in a new capacity, with retraining or further education
This Fund provides vital assistance during transitions—helping nurses rebuild careers in the field they’re passionate about.
