Promoting Nurses as Leaders in Healthcare Innovation

As part of PCNA’s mission to promote nurses as leaders in healthcare innovation, we are pleased to offer the PCNA Research Grant to support impactful, nurse-led research focused on cardiovascular disease prevention and stroke (primordial, primary, secondary, or tertiary). In 2026, a total of two grants will be awarded in the amount of $100,000 each.

Each PCNA Research Grant is designed to empower nurses who are actively engaged in research that seeks to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease through prevention strategies. The grants aim to support clinical and community-based research that advances practice, informs policy, and/or improves patient outcomes in cardiovascular health.

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Who Should Apply

Eligible applicants must meet ALL of the following criteria:

  • Lead applicant and primary investigators are members of PCNA.
  • Doctorally-prepared nurse scientists (without previous or current R01-level funding).
    • Recommend, but not required, to partner with APRN(s) in clinical practice.
  • Currently planning, or engaged in, original research in cardiovascular disease prevention and stroke (e.g., lifestyle interventions, community education, risk factor screening, etc.).
  • Nurses working in academic or clinic/community settings.
  • Must commit to present research findings at PCNA’s Annual Nursing Symposium within two years of award. We especially encourage applications from nurses with demonstrated leadership potential and a passion for advancing public health through prevention.

Key Dates

LOI due: May 15, 2026

Invitation for full application: June 1, 2026

Full application deadline: July 15, 2026

Funding period: October 2026 - September 2027

Timeline

  • Applications open: March 15, 2026
  • LOI due: May 15, 11:59 CT
  • Invitation for full application if selected: June 1
  • Full application deadline: July 15, 11:59 CT
  • Committee application review: July 16 - September 14
  • Notification sent to applicants: September 15
  • Funding period: October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027
  • Expectations of awardee’s communications and presentation of data:
    • Poster presentation of progress to date at the poster fair at PCNA’s Annual Cardiovascular Nursing Symposium, April 2027 in Austin, TX
    • Final findings due October 30, 2027
    • Presentation of findings on the main stage at PCNA’s Annual Cardiovascular Nursing Symposium, April 2028 (US city, location TBD)
    • Final abstract to be submitted for publication in the Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing
    • Opportunity for quarterly check-ins with PCNA BOD members heading the research grant initiative
    • Opportunity for informal check ins at PCNA’s Annual Symposium

Letter of Intent (LOI)

Please include the following components in your LOI:

  1. Face page with primary investigators’ and key personnel names and complete contact information
  2. Project title (200-character limit)
  3. Personal statement describing why the PI is well-suited for their role in this project, and how this project connects to PCNA’s mission (250 words max)
  4. Project summary (500 words max)
  5. Project-specific aims (1 page maximum, NIH format)
  6. NIH format biosketch(es) (5 pages max per biosketch, non-fellowship format) for the PI and any co-investigators that are listed as Key Personnel

Please note: The IRB application must be under review at the time of submission of the PCNA Research Grant, and no funds will be released until IRB approval is obtained.

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