Focus on Foundation
George Peraza-Smith has served many roles in his tenure with the Florida Nurses Association including President and most recently Treasurer. George has served as President of the Foundation for a second time and will be stepping down at the next meeting while continuing to serve as a trustee.
George is a devoted family man who is also committed to professional service and has built a legacy of quiet leadership and a trail of successes. Both the Foundation and the Florida Nurses Association have experienced financial stability as well as growth under his leadership and he continues to be focused on success through challenging times. We are fortunate that he is not leaving us but is simply clearing the way for new leadership.
We appreciate his past and continued service and look forward to future work with George and his steadfast presence.
Scholarship and Grant Applications are Open!
The Florida Nurses Foundation is currently accepting applications for 2025 Scholarship and Research Grant cycle. Interested nurses and nursing students can apply online at www.floridanurse.org/ScholarshipsGrants. The application window is open from January 1 to June 1.
About our Scholarships: The Foundation has over 30 scholarships available for nursing students residing in Florida and currently enrolled in a nationally accredited nursing program. Applicants must have completed at least one semester in their nursing program to qualify. Some of the funds have specific application requirements such as geographic location or nursing specialty. The Foundation offers scholarships for all levels of study including basic nursing programs, master’s level, and doctoral programs.
Applications are available on our website and must be completed according to specifications to be considered. Applicants submit one generic application and upon review are paired with the scholarship that best fits their profile. Descriptions of available funds are listed on our website to give applicants a sense of some of the scholarships they could be paired with. It is important to submit a complete and thorough application to provide reviewers with the best information about the applicant.
About our Grants: The Florida Nurses Foundation has several opportunities for Nurse Researchers to receive grants. The purpose of the Florida Nurses Foundation (FNF) Research Grant Program is to encourage the research career development of nurses to advance the profession of nursing.
The principal investigator must be a registered nurse and be licensed to practice nursing in Florida. Applications for the research grant must be for a study (proposed or underway) that has not been completed prior to application deadline.
Thank you to members of the Nurses Charitable Trust!
The Florida Nurses Foundation extends its heartfelt gratitude to the members of the Nurses Charitable Trust for their generous $60,000 donation to endow six new funds to the Nurses in Need initiative. These funds, named in honor of Patricia Ruth Messmer, Elizabeth Olafson, Barbara Russell, Sande Gracia Jones, Jill Tahmorressi, and Guillermo “Billy” Valdes, will provide critical support to nurses facing financial hardship. This extraordinary gift reflects the profound commitment of the Nurses Charitable Trust to uplifting and safeguarding the nursing community. Thank you for making a lasting impact!
