Deadline: 20-Feb-2026
The Hillman Innovations in Care (HIC) program funds innovative, nursing-led interventions that improve healthcare outcomes for marginalized populations in the U.S. Selected organizations receive $250,000 over two years to implement evidence-based, replicable interventions that promote health equity, foster community engagement, and advance best-in-class care practices.
The Hillman Innovations in Care (HIC) program supports nonprofit organizations in developing nursing-driven, innovative interventions aimed at improving health outcomes, particularly for marginalized communities in the United States. The program emphasizes evidence-based strategies, measurable impact, and scalable solutions that can advance health equity.
Program Objectives
• Support nursing-led interventions that challenge conventional care models
• Address health disparities affecting underserved populations
• Promote interventions with replicable and scalable impact
• Encourage community engagement in the design and delivery of healthcare solutions
• Foster multi-disciplinary collaboration across sectors, agencies, and communities
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
• Nonprofit, charitable organizations under U.S. 501(c)(3) status or similar tax-exempt designation
• Organizations with U.S. 501(c)(6) status may participate via a fiscal sponsor meeting tax-exempt requirements
• Organizations capable of implementing nursing-led, evidence-based interventions
Ineligible Applicants
• For-profit organizations without fiscal sponsorship
• Projects without a health equity focus or measurable outcomes
Funding Details
• Grant amount: $250,000 per organization
• Maximum organizations funded: 4
• Duration: 2 years (starting January 1, 2027)
• Payment: Annual disbursement, first payment by December 31, 2026
Priority Considerations
Proposals that demonstrate the following will receive additional priority:
• Building trust and credibility in programs or systems of care
• Strong partnerships with community organizations and stakeholders
• Active engagement of patients, caregivers, and communities in intervention design
• Inter-sectoral and multidisciplinary collaboration, including diverse investigators
• Use of methods and metrics that advance health equity
• Clear measurable goals and outcomes
Application Guidelines
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Submit a proposal outlining your nursing-driven intervention, its objectives, target population, methodology, and evidence base.
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Include plans for community and multidisciplinary collaboration.
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Provide preliminary evidence or pilot data supporting the intervention’s effectiveness.
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Describe strategies for scalability and replicability.
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Ensure organizational eligibility, or provide fiscal sponsor details if applicable.
Key Tips for Applicants
• Highlight innovative approaches and how they differ from conventional care models
• Demonstrate measurable outcomes and evaluation methods
• Emphasize community involvement and trust-building strategies
• Show capacity for long-term impact and sustainability beyond the grant period
Conclusion
The Hillman Innovations in Care program represents a strategic investment in nursing-led solutions that improve health equity and care delivery for marginalized communities. By funding evidence-based, replicable interventions and fostering collaborations across disciplines and communities, the program aims to identify best-in-class healthcare strategies with the potential for nationwide impact.
For more information, visit The Rita and Alex Hillman Foundation.
