2026 APPLICATION PROCESS WILL OPEN on APRIL 13, 2026
Application Form
Even if you pay before April 13, the form will not be accessible. On or after April 13, click this button to access the form:
Start or Continue Application
The Registered Nurses’ Foundation of Ontario is a leading provider of financial support for Ontario nurses and nursing students enrolled in academic programs. In 2024, the Board expanded the vision of RNFOO’s role by introducing a second award stream that will further advance nursing and healthcare in Ontario. This new collection of awards, known as Nurses in Practice (NIP), focuses on nurses currently practising. The application process for these awards opens in the Spring; the Academic Awards process will continue to open in the late Fall.
Much of the impetus for this new collection of awards came from the windup of the 5-year Nurse Innovator Award initiative. The RNFOO Board of Directors recognized early on that the important work of supporting nursing innovation and encouraging practicing nurses must continue. Thanks to the incredible support for, interest in, and contributions from a number of dedicated supporters, the program will not only continue but will also embrace additional award streams.
The Nurses in Practice awards are made up of 3 distinct streams. Please read the details for each of these streams below. The dates for the applications will be announced in early Spring, 2026.
Legacy Award
The RNFOO Legacy Award recognizes up to three nurse mentors who have made a meaningful impact in supporting and guiding the next generation of nurses. Mentorship is a cornerstone of professional development, fostering confidence, growth, and excellence in practice.
Awards of $1,000 are available in the RPN, Staff Nurse (RN), and Advanced Practice / Management categories.
Recipients are selected through a combined nomination and application process, with letters of support attesting to the applicant’s mentorship contributions. Funding is to be used for professional development opportunities within 18 months of the award.
There is no application fee.
SUBMIT A NOMINATIONNursing Innovation Grant
The RNFOO Nursing Innovation Grant is a follow-up program to the RNFOO Nurse Innovator Award which was designed and built to enable, encourage, support and celebrate nursing innovation.
Through support from some of the NIA funders and a very generous donation received from the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario (IBAO), the Board was able to designate funding for this important work for 2 years. It is hoped that further funding will be found to support NIG after this year.
Learn details of the application process for the Nursing Innovation Grant.
Applicants must upload a budget and a timeline to the application. Please use the templates provided here:
Download the Budget Template.
Download the Timeline Template.
Special Interest Awards
Awards in this category are focused on specific areas of nursing. Many are supported by other organizations, and address specific areas of nursing practice. These awards include:
- Diabetes Nursing: DNIG Special Projects in Diabetes
- Mental Health Nursing: MHNIG Special Project Awards
- Palliative Care Nursing: Dr. Christine Newman Memorial Award supported by PCNIG
- Registered Practical Nurses: Post-PN Program Award
Other groups interested in sponsoring an award should contact the RNFOO Office.
Click here for details about the application process for the special interest awards.
