Research Grant Opportunities

The ARN Research Committee oversees the grant development, review, and selection process. Grant opportunities are made available based on the monetary gifts donated to the Rehabilitation Nursing Foundation and with the approval of the ARN Board of Directors. For 2021, the ARN Research Committee has calls for one $10,000 research grant and two $1,000 quality improvement grants. Details are below.

Quality Improvement Request for Applications

The Research Committee of ARN requests applications for quality improvement projects that are based on the best evidence and seek to improve rehabilitation outcomes for patients with disabilities and chronic illnesses. This request is directed toward projects that have the potential of changing systems of care within an organizational structure. This request for applications is not for research proposals.

Up to two $1,000 grants will be awarded in 2021. The deadline for applications is June 1, 2021. Questions and completed grant applications can be submitted to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Additional details

• Maximum funding available is $1,000 per recipient.
• Number of awards to be funded will depend on the quality of proposals submitted and the amount of funding requested.
• Time period for the grant is September 1, 2021 to September 1, 2023.
• Preference will be given to applicants who are ARN members.
• Proposals will be reviewed by select members of the Research Committee and a peer review panel.
• Funded applicants will be expected to present the Quality Improvement (QI) project at the annual ARN Educational Conference and submit a Clinical Feature manuscript to the Rehabilitation Nursing Journal (RNJ).
• Review the full request for applications (PDF) for complete details.

The following forms and materials are required with your application and must be completed upon submission:

• Quality Improvement Checklist
• Quality Improvement Summary Form
• Quality Improvement Abstract Form
• Quality Improvement Budget Form
• Quality Improvement Administrative Approval Form

Research Request for Applications

The Research Committee of the ARN requests applications for research studies that seek to advance the science and practice of rehabilitation nursing. This request is directed toward study proposals that have the potential for generating findings that will lead to further extramural funding and that have the potential of contributing to the larger body of rehabilitation and health care knowledge. This request does not include quality improvement projects, program evaluation, or other performance improvement projects.

One grant for $15,000 will be awarded for a research project. The deadline for grant applications is June 1, 2021.

Additional details

• Maximum funding available is $15,000
• Number of awards to be funded will depend on the quality of proposals submitted and the amount of funding requested
• Time period for the grant is September 1, 2021 through August 31, 2023
• Preference will be given to applicants who are members of ARN
• Proposals will be reviewed by select members of the Research Committee and a peer review panel
• Funded applicants will be expected to disseminate findings by submitting a manuscript for publication in the ARN journal, Rehabilitation Nursing, and an abstract for presentation at the annual ARN Educational Conference.
• Proposal must adhere to the “Guidelines for Proposals,” found in the full research request for proposal (PDF)

The following forms and materials are required with your application and must be completed upon submission:

• Research Checklist
• Research Summary Form
• Research Abstract Form
• Research Budget Form
• Research Administrative Approval Form
• Research Bio Sketch Form

Past Grant Recipients

RNF is proud to provide research grants to recipients aimed towards fulfilling the mission of RNF. 
See Past Grant Recipients