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RCN Foundation Adult Social Care Nursing Fund

For courses or modules starting between September 2026 and September 2027. Applications close at 5pm on 13 May

The RCN Foundation is pleased to launch a new education grants programme, delivered in partnership with the Rayne Foundation, to support the professional development of registered nurses, care support workers and care assistants working in adult social care settings across the UK. This grant is also part funded by Leslie J Stretch OBE. 

Adult social care settings include, but are not limited to:

  • Residential care homes
  • Nursing homes
  • Homecare services

This programme aims to enhance skills, build capability and improve the quality of care within the adult social care sector.

Funding

Eligible applicants can apply for grants of up to £1,600 to support education and training. Funding can be used for a wide range of learning opportunities, including:

  • Accredited health and social care courses
  • Modules within an MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice
  • NMC Specialist Practice Qualifications, including Adult Social Care Nursing
  • Short courses in areas such as nutrition, social care and personal care
  • Masterclasses and professional development training for care support workers, healthcare assistants and care assistants

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Your course must start between September 2026 and September 2027
  • You must be a registered nurse in the UK or a care worker/care assistant working in adult social care
  • You must provide a manager’s reference confirming support for your chosen course and outlining how it will contribute to your professional development and career progression
  • If you are a health care worker, the manager’s reference must come from a UK registered nurse
  • You do not need to be a member of the RCN to apply

We also welcome applications from independent registered social care nurses operating as limited companies. In these cases, you will be asked to provide two professional references from previous contracts or employment.

Please note, this grants programme is not open to pre-registration nursing and midwifery students 

Programme focus areas 

Applications should clearly demonstrate how the proposed learning aligns with at least one of the programme’s priority areas:

  1. Older People and Frailty Care - developing skills to support older people across a range of settings, including care homes, community environments, and individuals’ own homes
  2. Advanced Clinical Practice - supporting postgraduate study and specialist training in key areas such as dementia care, palliative and end of life care, long-term condition management
  3. Community and Primary Care Nursing - enhancing the capabilities of nurses working in community or primary care roles, helping to reduce hospital admissions and improve patient outcomes

How to apply

To apply, click here. Please submit applications to grants@rcnfoundation.org.uk.  

The deadline to apply is 5pm on 13 May. 

Please note, the grant may close early if we receive a high volume of applications. All applications will be reviewed after the closing date.  

Below is a list of the questions that you will be expected to answer in your online application. 

1. What are your professional goals?

2. How will the activity improve health and well-being?

3. How have you demonstrated your commitment to self-development?

4. How will you share your L&D with others?

5. What challenges do you foresee in completing this activity?

6.  How will you evaluate the effectiveness of your L&D?

7. Budget breakdown