In partnership with Hippocratic AI, a request for rapid proposals is now open for three microgrants to be awarded to nurse-led research teams

SILVER SPRING, MD – November 11, 2025 –  Today, the American Nurses Foundation (ANF) announced a rapid request for proposals support Nurse-Led Solutions Using AI and Innovation. Up to three microgrants valued at $10,000 each will be awarded to nurse-led teams who can explore the connection between AI and nursing and discover new nurse-led solutions to issues impacting nurses using AI. These microgrants are funded through a generous partnership with Hippocratic AI, a global leader and pioneer in generative AI healthcare agents, that is committed to quality healthcare and nurse empowerment that improve patient outcomes.

This microgrant opportunity is designed as part of a larger initiative to strengthen nurse leadership and innovation with a focus on early-career nurses. In addition to funding nurse-led projects, this grant is intended to nurture catalysts for healthcare transformation through leadership development and peer learning. Both ANF and Hippocratic AI believe nurses are critical decision-makers and are uniquely positioned as leaders in the age of AI who are capable of developing innovative solutions for nurses by nurses.

“At Hippocratic AI, we believe the future of healthcare innovation must be shaped by nurses, who are the clinicians that best understand the realities of patient care,” said Amy McCarthy, Chief Nursing Officer at Hippocratic AI. “Our partnership with the American Nurses Foundation reflects our shared commitment to empowering nurses as leaders in AI adoption. Through these microgrants, we’re helping nurses turn their ideas into action, funding projects that demonstrate how AI can safely and meaningfully improve care delivery, reduce burden, and advance the profession.”

Nurses at all career stages are encouraged to apply for these microgrants, but particular consideration will be given to clinical bedside nurses with at least 3-5 years of nursing practice experience and the ability to partner with a C-suite nurse leader to apply lessons learned. Some of the priority areas of interest include exploring the use of AI agents and application before a patient procedure, nurse-friendly AI tools and interactions, and strategies to increase use of AI in nursing and reducing skepticism. Proposals must also align with microgrant goals and indicate clear and feasible implementation.

“We are very grateful to Hippocratic AI for their generous partnership with the American Nurses Foundation to launch this microgrant opportunity dedicated to harnessing the power of nurse-led solutions,” said Graig Eastin, Executive Director of the American Nurses Foundation. “We’re seeking proposals that don’t just imagine what might be possible but demonstrate how nurse-led solutions can transform patient care and improve the health of communities. We look forward to receiving bold, thoughtful, and actionable proposals that turn ideas into evidence, and evidence into impact.”

All application responses are due on February 17, 2026 @ 4pm EST via ANF’s online Submission Portal, and notification of grantees are expected in April. An informational call for prospective applicants will be held on November 19 at 4pm EST. No registration is required. To participate in this informational call and learn more about eligibility and other application requirements, please dial in via this link: AI Microgrant RFP Informational Call