Colorado Nurses Foundation Scholarships
Offered by Colorado Nurses Foundation
About This Scholarship
The Colorado Nurses Foundation is the philanthropic partner of Colorado's professional nursing community, and its annual scholarship program supports Colorado residents at nearly every stage of a nursing education. The foundation's stated purpose is to advance the profession by investing in nurses who show dedication to patient care and leadership potential in the state.
Eligibility spans the whole nursing pipeline: second-year associate degree nursing students, BSN undergraduates in their second year or beyond, RNs returning for a baccalaureate or higher degree, master's-prepared RNs pursuing doctorates, students in accelerated BSN programs, and second- or third-year DNP and PhD students. Undergraduates need a GPA of at least 3.0 and graduate students at least 3.5.
Selection weighs more than grades: reviewers look at each applicant's professional philosophy, dedication to patient care, commitment to nursing, leadership potential, community involvement, recommendations, and financial need. The 2026 application window is short — September 1 to October 15, 2026 — so Colorado nursing students should have recommendations lined up before the window opens.
Eligibility
- Colorado resident
- Second-year associate degree nursing student, second-year or higher BSN student, RN pursuing a baccalaureate or higher nursing degree, accelerated BSN student, or second/third-year DNP or PhD student
- Undergraduates: GPA 3.0 or higher; graduate students: GPA 3.5 or higher
- Recommendations required; financial need considered in selection
How To Apply
- Complete the online application on the Colorado Nurses Foundation website between September 1 and October 15, 2026. Plan ahead for recommendation letters and be ready to describe your professional philosophy, patient care experience, leadership, and community involvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for a Colorado Nurses Foundation scholarship?
Colorado residents in nursing programs — from second-year ADN and BSN students through RNs completing higher degrees and second- or third-year DNP or PhD students. Undergraduates need a 3.0 GPA and graduate students a 3.5.
How are recipients chosen?
The foundation weighs professional philosophy, dedication to patient care, commitment to nursing, leadership potential, community involvement, recommendations, GPA, and financial need.
When is the application window?
The 2026 application opens September 1, 2026 and closes October 15, 2026.