Celebrating our website launch and new strategy

On 11^th March we launched our strategy marking the next chapter in how we champion and unleash the creative power of nurses.

As a Trust we have a responsibility to direct our funding where it will have the greatest impact and to empower nurses as they support the health of our nations.

Nursing faces unprecedented challenges and demand for grant funding continues to rise. By working more strategically and collaboratively, we can be even more effective.

Last year we undertook a comprehensive strategic review, refreshing our vision, mission, purpose and future direction to ensure our grant-making is fit for this moment. And we are very grateful to all of you who took time to share your views.

We are pleased to share our renewed focus on:

• Strengthening nurse‑led models in health and social care
• Supporting nursing leadership and influence at every level
• Advancing health advocacy for equitable, person‑centred care

To deliver on these priorities four distinct funding programmes have been established for 2026:

• Neighbourhood Health: Engagement Awards – this programme is open for applications from today. It is an opportunity for small grants to engage with communities, particularly focused on minoritised and marginalised groups.
• Recognising the vital impact, agility, and independence of Nursing Charities we have created the Stronger Together: Impact Fund. After careful consideration six outstanding charities have been invited into a three-year collaboration where we hope to co-create a new kind of partnership working.
• We are continuing to support and develop the Nursing Now Challenge under the leadership of Prof Gemma Stacey. We will focus on the implementation of the State of the World’s Nursing report in partnership with WHO. This programme engages early-career nurses in strategic policymaking, empowering them to shape the profession’s future within their countries and regions.
• And lastly our Nursing Futures programme which is coming later this year. It will offer grants aligned with our priorities, focussed on innovation, and entrepreneurship. More details will be available in the summer.

We intend to build on all that we have learned since our foundation in 2002. Our ambition is to create partnerships that bring active hope and positive change and we look forward to working with you.