Deadline: 20-Feb-2026
The Hillman Emergent Innovation: Serious Illness and End of Life (HSEI) Program offers $50,000 grants to U.S.-based nonprofit organizations for nurse-led, early-stage interventions that improve care for marginalized populations facing serious illness or end-of-life challenges. Projects should be innovative, community-focused, measurable, and aim to reduce disparities in healthcare delivery over 12–18 months starting January 2027.
The HSEI program supports nurse-driven innovation to improve serious illness and end-of-life care for marginalized communities across the United States. Its mission is to fund early-stage interventions that challenge conventional care models, foster community engagement, and develop scalable, best-in-class solutions.
Program Objectives
The HSEI Program seeks proposals that:
• Introduce innovative nursing-led interventions in serious illness or end-of-life care
• Target marginalized populations to reduce healthcare disparities
• Build trust and credibility in care systems
• Engage patients, families, caregivers, and community organizations
• Foster inter-professional and multidisciplinary collaboration
• Develop institutional and community partnerships
• Deliver care in non-hospital settings where possible
• Establish measurable goals and outcomes to track effectiveness
Funding Details
• Grant amount: $50,000 per organization
• Number of awards: Up to 11 organizations
• Project duration: 12–18 months
• Project start date: January 1, 2027
• Full grant payment: By December 31, 2026
• Eligible organizations: U.S. nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations or similar tax-exempt entities; fiscal sponsors allowed
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
• U.S.-based nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status or equivalent
• Organizations with a fiscal sponsor meeting the nonprofit criteria
• Nurse-led teams or projects where nurses play a primary leadership role
• Programs focused on serious illness or end-of-life care for marginalized communities
Priority Considerations
Proposals will receive additional consideration if they:
• Strengthen trust and credibility in healthcare programs or systems
• Engage patients, families, caregivers, and community stakeholders
• Foster partnerships across institutions and communities
• Provide care in home or community settings rather than hospitals
• Include measurable outcomes for tracking impact
How to Apply
Step 1: Prepare Your Proposal
• Identify an early-stage, nurse-led intervention addressing serious illness or end-of-life care
• Outline the target population and community context
• Describe the innovative approach and how it challenges conventional care
Step 2: Define Outcomes and Metrics
• Establish measurable objectives to track the effectiveness and impact of the project
• Include plans for data collection and evaluation
Step 3: Build Partnerships
• Identify community, institutional, or inter-professional collaborators
• Demonstrate how the network of partners will support implementation and sustainability
Step 4: Submit Application
• Complete the HSEI application form with all required documentation
• Ensure nonprofit eligibility or fiscal sponsorship verification
Why This Program Matters
• Promotes equitable access to quality serious illness and end-of-life care
• Supports early-stage, scalable innovations led by nurses
• Encourages community engagement and care delivery outside hospitals
• Enables organizations to measure outcomes and improve healthcare interventions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Submitting projects not led by nurses or nurse teams
• Failing to demonstrate community engagement or trust-building strategies
• Omitting measurable goals and evaluation methods
• Proposing projects outside the serious illness or end-of-life care scope
• Applying without verifying nonprofit or fiscal sponsor eligibility
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can apply?
U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or nonprofits with eligible fiscal sponsors.
What is the grant amount and duration?
$50,000 per organization for 12–18 months, starting January 1, 2027.
What types of projects are eligible?
Nurse-led interventions addressing serious illness or end-of-life care for marginalized populations.
Can hospital-based programs apply?
Yes, but priority is given to programs delivering care outside hospital settings.
How will applications be evaluated?
Based on innovation, community engagement, measurable outcomes, and partnerships.
Is a fiscal sponsor allowed?
Yes, organizations without 501(c)(3) status may apply with a fiscal sponsor meeting eligibility requirements.
When will funding be disbursed?
Grants are paid in full by December 31, 2026.
Conclusion
The Hillman Emergent Innovation Program provides a unique opportunity for nurse-led, innovative interventions to transform serious illness and end-of-life care in marginalized communities. By funding early-stage, community-focused projects with measurable outcomes, the program aims to reduce disparities, improve care access, and foster scalable, best-in-class solutions in U.S. healthcare.
For more information, visit The Rita and Alex Hillman Foundation.