Login Cart

INKA Foundation

Cart Login Join INKA

Our Mission

The International Nursing Knowledge Association (INKA) Foundation (formerly NANDA® Foundation) was established in 1996 by Dr. Dorothy Jones, exists to strengthen the future of nursing by investing in the science of nursing to support evidence-based practice.

As an independent philanthropic foundation affiliated with INKA (formerly NANDA International), the INKA Foundation raises funds to support research that strengthens clinical decision-making skills and the use of standardized nursing language.

Why We Exist

Nurses represent the largest segment of the healthcare workforce and are often considered to be the most trusted profession.  Communicating the nurse’s unique contributions to health care has often been challenging as their care is focused on the whole human being and a holistic approach to care.  The complexities of the population and the introduction of new technology now require that nurses are clear and consistent in their language to assure the continuity of quality health care.  

The science describing the observations nurses make and the effectiveness of the nurse’s interventions during care is still evolving. Funding for nursing research is often limited, and philanthropic support is needed to support early- stage, practice-focused studies. The INKA Foundation fills this gap through generous donations of its members and corporate sponsors. 

When you support the INKA Foundation, you provide nurse researchers with the resources they need to: 

  • Describe unique human life experiences that nurses observe and how these impact an individual’s health  
  • Address questions about how nurses can address human responses to actual and potential health problems  
  • Evaluate innovative strategies that enhance clinical reasoning in various practice settings 
  • Translate research into better systems that support nursing care for patients worldwide 

Funding to support such studies will help advance the strength and visibility of the nursing profession that will assure access to essential nursing care worldwide. 

What we Fund 

The INKA Foundation Grants Program supports nurse researchers at pivotal moments during their career development.   

  • Priority areas for funding include the: 
  • Use of standardized approaches to nursing assessment 
  • Definition of new nursing diagnoses amenable to nursing interventions 
  • Implementation of standardized language in practice  
  • Effective use of actions that promote health and/or alleviate suffering 

Funded research has already contributed to the development, refinement, and application of nursing diagnoses and related nursing knowledge. Such research has been published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated widely, expanding the global evidence base that informs nursing education, practice and ongoing research. 

Read More About What We Fund Read Less

Hear From Past Grant Recipients

Luca Bertocchi PhD, RN

Luca“I am grateful to the NANDA Foundation for supporting my doctoral research through its 2018–2020 grant. This grant enabled me to study how American Nurses Association–recognized Standardized Nursing Terminologies (SNTs) influence patient and organizational outcomes, and how their use within electronic health records (EHRs) can strengthen nursing practice… With this support, I published two studies that advanced my research program… I am sincerely thankful to the donors whose generosity made this work possible. Your support fuels knowledge, inspires innovation, and strengthens nursing for patients everywhere. Giving to the NANDA Foundation transforms nursing knowledge into care that changes lives.”

 

Joana Bragança, MSc, RN, PhD student

joana“I am sincerely grateful to the NANDA Foundation for supporting my research in palliative and end-of-life nursing, focused on the clinical validation of nursing diagnoses in the last days of life. This grant enabled the advancement of my research program through the analysis of nursing records and the use of standardized nursing languages, contributing to the development and dissemination of knowledge in this field. I extend my sincere thanks to all donors who made this work possible. By investing in nursing research, you are helping build a future in which inevitable suffering is better understood and addressed through evidence-based, compassionate care – ensuring it is alleviated whenever possible.”

Cristina Barradas, MSc, RN, PhD Student

cristina“I was honored to receive this grant in support of my research project… This grant represents far more than financial assistance… it serves as a catalyst for transformation, a symbol of trust, and a call to action… Generosity can open new opportunities and advance nursing science by fostering critical thinking that refines nursing language and expands nursing knowledge, ultimately enhancing the quality of nursing care…. Supporting the NANDA Foundation goes beyond funding projects, it affirms the conviction that meaningful change begins when resources are aligned with their purpose. In doing so, we help lay the foundation for advancing evidence-based nursing knowledge and practice.”

INKA foundation president with crowd

Support the Future of Nursing

Your generosity helps ensure that nursing knowledge continues to grow, evolve, and improve patient care worldwide. Every contribution, large or small, makes a difference. 

Ways to give: 

  • One-time or recurring donation 
  • Tribute gifts such as  
    • in honor or memory of a colleague or loved one 
    • Inclusion in your Will 
  • Corporate giving or major gift pledges 
  • Planned giving 

All donations support the mission of the INKA Foundation and are used to advance nursing research that informs education and practice. 

Donate Now

About the Board

Governed with Integrity. Led by Volunteers. 

The INKA Foundation is a registered not-for-profit organization, incorporated in the state of Pennsylvania, USA, and operates in accordance with its bylaws. 

Our Foundation is governed by an international Board of Directors composed of nursing leaders and professionals who serve on a fully volunteer basis. The Foundation is not a membership organization; the President and Directors are appointed by the Board to ensure continuity, expertise, and strong oversight. 

The Board meets remotely at least six times each year to provide strategic direction, financial stewardship, and governance oversight. The Foundation has no paid staff, allowing donor support to be directed entirely toward advancing nursing research and education. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at foundation@nanda.org 

Donate to the INKA Foundation

Every contribution helps strengthen the future of nursing care, research, and clinical knowledge.

Donate Now