Florence Nightingale Foundation

The Florence Nightingale Foundation is an independent UK charity established as a living memorial to Florence Nightingale following her death in 1910, formally recognised in 1912. Rooted in her legacy as the founder of modern nursing, it advances the study and practice of nursing, midwifery, and health visiting by fostering compassionate, transformative leadership to improve care, save lives, and influence policy globally. Core values—equity, compassion, evidence-based practice, sustainability, and public benefit—drive its focus on leadership development at all career stages, diversity, inclusion, tackling health inequalities, and workforce resilience amid modern challenges.

It funds targeted professional development for nurses and midwives in NHS, social care, and independent sectors, prioritising underrepresented and marginalised groups in mental health, acute care, forensic, community, and critical fields. Supported activities include leadership scholarships, fellowships, digital/face-to-face courses, action learning sets, coaching, policy think tanks, and FNF Academy membership, aiming for better patient safety, system-wide change, and policy influence through collaborative, innovative projects.

Eligible applicants are individual UK-registered nurses/midwives (NMC-registered, typically Band 5+), with employer endorsement and £1,500 contribution required for scholarships; organisations like NHS Trusts can nominate for fellowships or book group programmes but cannot apply unsolicited. UK-wide (all nations), with some global access. Applications via online forms; next Leadership Scholarship deadline is 09:00 on 3 November 2025, followed by interviews. Funding covers full scholarships (minus employer fee), courses at £350–£1,500 per participant.

Exclusively for nursing/midwifery leadership and evidence-led practice—not charities, general research, or clinical projects outside these—its distinction lies in Nightingale's enduring legacy, anti-racism/ESG commitments, and proven impact empowering diverse leaders for sustainable health improvements.