Deadline: 20-Feb-2026
The Hillman Emergent Innovation (HEI) Program provides $50,000 grants to support early-stage, nursing-driven interventions that improve healthcare delivery for marginalized populations in the U.S. The program prioritizes innovative solutions with measurable outcomes, strong community engagement, and potential for scalability. Up to eleven nonprofit organizations will be funded for projects starting January 1, 2027.
The HEI Program accelerates the development of bold nursing-led interventions aimed at improving health outcomes, especially for marginalized populations. It supports early-stage projects that challenge conventional healthcare delivery methods, demonstrate potential as best-in-class interventions, and reduce health disparities.
Program Objectives
• Advance nursing-driven innovations in healthcare
• Address health inequities affecting marginalized communities
• Support interventions with measurable goals and outcomes
• Encourage scalable solutions that can be implemented more broadly
• Promote community engagement and institutional partnerships
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants must be:
• Nonprofit or charitable organizations under U.S. 501(c)(3) status or similar tax-exempt organizations, including churches
• Organizations with 501(c)(6) status may apply only through a fiscal sponsor with proper tax-exempt status
• Applicants must demonstrate capacity to implement nursing-driven interventions in healthcare settings
Ineligible Applicants
• For-profit entities
• Organizations without tax-exempt status
• Projects led by entities outside the U.S. unless partnered with eligible U.S. nonprofits
Focus Areas and Priorities
The HEI program supports innovative nursing-led projects that:
• Challenge conventional healthcare delivery
• Improve care for marginalized populations
• Demonstrate potential for scalability
• Narrow health equity gaps
• Include measurable outcomes and impact metrics
Additional priority will be given to projects that:
• Build trust and credibility in care systems
• Engage patients, families, caregivers, and community organizations
• Foster inter-professional or multidisciplinary collaboration
• Establish strong institutional and community partnerships
• Deliver care in non-hospital settings
Grant Details
• Funding per organization: $50,000
• Number of grants: Up to eleven
• Project duration: 12–18 months
• Project start date: January 1, 2027
• Grant disbursement: Full payment by December 31, 2026
• Eligible expenses: Personnel, project materials, training, community engagement, evaluation, and research-related costs
How to Apply / Submission Process
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Confirm eligibility under 501(c)(3) or equivalent status
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Develop a proposal for a nursing-driven, early-stage intervention
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Demonstrate project alignment with HEI priorities (innovation, equity, community engagement)
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Include measurable goals and anticipated outcomes
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Submit application through the official HEI application portal by the stated deadline
Key Tips for Applicants
• Focus on nursing-led innovation and clearly show how it addresses gaps in care
• Include quantifiable metrics to measure success and impact
• Highlight community and institutional partnerships
• Emphasize scalability and sustainability potential
• Ensure the project targets marginalized or underserved populations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can apply for the HEI program?
Nonprofit U.S. organizations under 501(c)(3) status or similar, including churches. 501(c)(6) organizations may apply through a fiscal sponsor.
What types of projects are supported?
Early-stage, nursing-driven interventions that improve healthcare delivery, promote equity, and have measurable outcomes.
How much funding is available?
Each selected organization will receive $50,000.
When do projects start and how long do they last?
Projects start January 1, 2027, and last 12–18 months.
Can for-profit organizations apply?
No, only tax-exempt nonprofits are eligible.
What makes a proposal competitive?
Strong projects demonstrate innovation, measurable outcomes, engagement with marginalized populations, and potential for scalability.
Is community partnership required?
While not mandatory, proposals demonstrating strong institutional or community collaboration are given priority.
Conclusion
The HEI Program empowers nurses and nonprofit organizations to pioneer innovative solutions that improve healthcare delivery for marginalized communities. By funding early-stage, scalable interventions with measurable outcomes, the program seeks to identify best-in-class models that can influence broader healthcare practice and reduce disparities across the United States.
For more information, visit The Rita and Alex Hillman Foundation.
