Top Organizations Where Your Donation Supports Black Nurses

Black nurses remain underrepresented in the workforce. The 2024 National Nursing Workforce Survey put Black or African American RNs at roughly 8.6%, while about 13.6% of the U.S. population identifies as Black or African American. The field has long recognized the link between diverse representation and reduced healthcare inequities, and that recognition has pushed many professional organizations to focus on training and recruiting nurses from underrepresented groups. The organizations below welcome donations and other support aimed at helping Black nurses enter and advance in the profession.

Common Challenges Black Nurses Face

Nursing students from every background face real barriers, and the time and cost of undergraduate and graduate education top the list for everyone. Underrepresented students, including Black, Hispanic, and other minority groups, carry additional weight. For Black students from lower-income families, earning a nursing degree without financial assistance can be nearly impossible.

The barriers do not end at graduation. Black nurses continue to work in inhospitable, culturally insensitive environments, and discriminatory hiring and promotion practices block many from leadership roles. The field has started to respond with financial assistance, mentorship programs, and other initiatives meant to level the field.

12 Organizations That Support Black Nurses

These nonprofits and organizations support Black nurses through scholarships, grants, financial aid for marginalized students, and mentoring, plus fellowships and professional development for working nurses. Whether you want to donate, volunteer, or find support for yourself, this list is a starting point.

1. CVS Health Foundation Program. The corporate social responsibility arm of CVS Health. As part of its commitment to racial and ethnic diversity, it offers minority nursing scholarships for graduate work in advanced practice nursing and supports minority nurses who work in lower-income areas. The foundation partners with local organizations and international healthcare leaders to promote accessible, affordable care.

2. American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiative. AACN is a national organization dedicated to advancing nursing education. Its DEI Initiative, established in 2017, identifies strategies for advancing diversity in academic nursing programs and works to eliminate racism in the profession. Faculty and students from member schools can access webinars, publications, and funding, and can volunteer on task forces, advisory committees, and review panels.

3. Black Nurses Rock. Founded in 2014, Black Nurses Rock has grown into one of the largest minority nursing associations in the country, representing over 174,000 Black nurses. It addresses the needs of historically excluded communities through mentorship, continuing education, and professional development across its member chapters, and maintains a strong social media presence. Members get career support, including resume and certification guidance and professional discounts, and the organization welcomes donations toward its award and scholarship programs.

4. ANA/SAMHSA Minority Fellowship Program. In partnership with the American Nurses Association, the SAMHSA Minority Fellowship Program funds scholarships for minority students pursuing a master's or doctoral degree in psychiatric/mental health nursing or substance use disorders. Fellows must commit to behavioral health work and agree to spend at least two years in the field after graduation, promote the program, and participate in its learning community.

5. Future of Nursing: Campaign for Action, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Steering Committee. Established by AARP and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, this campaign works to stop racial discrimination in healthcare and increase workforce diversity. It promotes equitable professional standards and nursing leadership among minority nurses, and creates collaboration among nurses, providers, consumers, educators, and businesses.

6. Healthline and Prevention Institute Stronger Scholarship. Healthline Media awards three $7,000 scholarships to Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous students committed to reducing health disparities in their communities. Each year the program recognizes students focused on health equity, food security, mental health, and chronic conditions, and seeks support from mission-driven organizations and corporate partners.

7. Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship. The foundation offers scholarships to minority students pursuing a bachelor's degree. The award is not nursing-specific, but many recipients choose nursing. Applicants must show financial need, academic achievement, leadership potential, and a desire to help communities in need. The foundation welcomes donors, mentors, and leadership trainers.

8. National Black Nurses Association. Founded in 1971, NBNA offers networking and collaboration to a membership of over 200,000 African American registered nurses, licensed vocational and practical nurses, students, and retirees. It addresses the healthcare needs of Black Americans and works to expand access to quality care. Members get a career center, academic publications and research, and continuing education, and the organization encourages members to donate, mentor, and provide community-based care through local chapters.

9. National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurse Associations. NCEMNA is an umbrella organization connecting minority professional nursing associations to work toward healthcare equity and a more diverse workforce. It encourages people from historically excluded groups to enter nursing and supports minority nurses through programming, scholarships, and advocacy, partnering with public and private groups on research and policy.

10. National Student Nurses' Association Breakthrough to Nursing Committee. Launched in 1965, this NSNA committee addresses the lack of diversity in nursing and unequal access to care. It sponsors scholarships, monthly awards, an annual leadership conference, and online resources, and encourages members to get involved at the local level through mentoring and peer support.

11. Minority Nurse. A media organization providing resources on minority education, career development, and healthcare issues. Its online career center runs the largest minority nursing jobs board and resume database, and it publishes a magazine, employer newsletter, blogs, and webinars that highlight issues facing underrepresented groups, including schools with highly diverse student bodies and the lack of diversity in hospital administration.

12. Nurses Educational Funds Scholarships. A nonprofit supporting graduate-level nursing scholarships for minority nurses. NEF administers the M. Elizabeth Carnegie African American Scholarship for Black nursing professionals in doctoral programs and the Estelle Massey Osborne Scholarship for Black nurses pursuing a master's degree. It welcomes donations from educators, businesses, and individuals who support diversity in nursing.