The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Northwest Health Foundation awarded 10 new grants to kick off the third phase of an initiative to address the country's shortage of nurses.
The five-year, $10-million effort, known as Partners Investing in Nursing's Future, will provide $2 for every $1 raised, up to $250,000, to fund partnerships addressing the shortage.
During its first two years, 215 local partnerships were created in 19 states to address the declining numbers of nurses.
Groups that receive grants will work on grassroots initiatives to recruit, retain and educate nursing personnel.
"As the severity of the nursing shortage continues to grow, the stability and quality of our nation's health care stands at risk," Susan B. Hassmiller, senior program officer at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, says in a statement. "It's not only a national problem, but a local issue that demands community-based interventions and innovative solutions."
The fourth round of grants of up to $250,000 will be awarded in September 2009, with partnerships matching their awards with at least $1 to every $1 provided.
Groups receiving grants include the Jonas Center for Nursing Excellence, the Bay Area Workforce Funding Collaborative and the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City.
- Professional Area: Careers/human resources