The 2025 Hillman Emergent Innovation (HEI) Program, administered by the Rita and Alex Hillman Foundation, offers grants of $50,000 to support early-stage, nursing-driven interventions that improve health outcomes for marginalized populations in the United States. The program seeks bold and innovative projects that challenge conventional care strategies, narrow health equity gaps, and demonstrate potential scalability.

Eligible applicants include U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, equivalent international organizations focusing on U.S.-based projects, government entities, and faith-based organizations serving all community members. The foundation does not fund individuals, basic research, capital projects, or standalone technology. Priority consideration is given to projects that build trust, involve multidisciplinary collaboration, foster institutional and community partnerships, and provide care outside traditional hospital settings.

Applications begin with a Letter of Intent (LOI), due by February 18, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. ET. LOIs must include a project summary, description of the problem or opportunity, and details about the proposed intervention. Supporting materials such as team biographies and letters of support are also required. Finalists will be invited to submit full proposals by April 15, 2025, with a submission deadline of May 20, 2025. Awards will be announced on September 9, 2025, and funded projects will begin on January 1, 2026, lasting 12–18 months.

Grant funds may cover personnel, travel, equipment, direct supplies, and other research costs, with a maximum of 15% allocated to indirect costs. The application process is hosted online, and applicants are encouraged to attend an informational webinar on January 21, 2025. Evaluation criteria include the project’s health impact, innovation, scalability, equity, and the team’s qualifications.

Deliverables include progress reports, participation in evaluation surveys, and dissemination of findings through publications or other channels. For further details, applicants can contact innovationsincare@rahf.org or visit the foundation’s website.