Nurse Educator Fellowship Program
🏛 BHE
✓ Free, no account · Source: Illinois GATA Catalog (CSFA) · Last verified Aug 27, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for Illinois public and private institutions of higher learning with accredited nursing degree programs. Eligible schools must have nursing programs approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and accredited by CCNE or ACEN. Participating institutions nominate nursing faculty members for the fellowship, with nominations certified by the Chief Nursing Administrator. Award funds supplement faculty salaries to improve retention of qualified nursing educators.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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Program description
The purpose of the Nurse Educator Fellowship Program is to ensure the retention of well-qualified nursing faculty at institutions of higher learning that award degrees in nursing. Awards will be used to supplement the salaries of the nursing faculty selected for the Fellowship. Participation in this program is open to Illinois institutions of higher learning with a nursing program approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Association Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Nominations must be certified by the institution’s Chief Nursing Administrator. Administered by the BHE via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 601-00-1591).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Nomination form or letter from Chief Nursing Administrator
- Faculty member CV or resume
- Documentation of program accreditation status (CCNE or ACEN)
- Institutional commitment letter confirming cost-sharing contribution
- Project narrative describing retention strategy and faculty impact
Program contact
- 👤 Brook Stewart
- 📧 stewart@ibhe.org
- 📞 217-866-1473
FAQ
Who can apply for this fellowship?
Illinois colleges and universities with CCNE or ACEN-accredited nursing programs can nominate faculty members. Only accredited institutions approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation are eligible.
What are the award amounts?
Individual fellowship awards range from $10,000 to $25,000 per recipient. Total program funding is $800,000.
How must the money be used?
Fellowship funds must supplement the salaries of selected nursing faculty members. Funds cannot be used for other purposes.
What is the deadline?
The application deadline is October 30, 2026. Contact your institution's grant office for specific submission procedures.
Is cost sharing required?
Yes, institutions must provide matching funds. Confirm the required percentage with BHE or your institution's finance office.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Nominations must come from the Chief Nursing Administrator, so engage your leadership early in the process. Do not skip this certification step.
- Emphasize the selected faculty member's commitment to nursing education and their role in program quality. Describe retention challenges your institution faces.
- Document how the supplemental salary will improve faculty retention and support program accreditation standards. Connect the award to institutional nursing goals.
- Verify your program's current accreditation status before applying. Expired or pending accreditation can disqualify the nomination.
- Start the nomination process several months before the deadline. Coordinate with your nursing program director and finance office to confirm matching funds availability.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting nominations without Chief Nursing Administrator certification. Not providing evidence that the nursing program is currently accredited by CCNE or ACEN. Failing to demonstrate how supplemental salary addresses faculty retention challenges.
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