The American Nurses Foundation (ANF) this week announced the launch of its 2013 Nursing Research Grant (NRG) Program . ANF is the charitable and philanthropic arm of the American Nurses Association (ANA).

This year, ANF will provide 29 research awards totaling more than $200,000 to beginner and experienced nurse researchers focused on ANA's research priorities and applications utilizing its National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators (NDNQI).

"Nursing research is vital to patients, nurses, and our colleagues in health care.  Our perspective, our expertise, and our problem-solving is distinct and of critical importance," said Geri L. Wood, PhD, RN, FAAN, chair of the ANF Nursing Research Grant Program, and associate professor and director of nursing research and evidence-based practice, University of Texas' M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

Individual grants range from $5,000 to $25,000. The largest award, the Margretta Madden Styles Credentialing Research Award, is named for a past president of the American Nurses Credentialing Center, ANA, and the International Council of Nurses. The award funds research on the impact of nurse credentialing programs for patients, nurses, and health care organizations. 

Information and access to the online application are available on ANF's website at www.anfonline.org.  The application process is open through May 1.