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Are you an outstanding nursing student currently studying in Canada? Do you need money to help pay for books, tuition, and the occasional coffee? If you answered yes, then you have come to the right place! CNF offers a variety of scholarships with specific criteria to one-in-five applicants across Canada every year!

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Latest News & Events - Under Construction

Canadian Nurses Foundation’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Chris McGarvey as Chief Executive Officer effective May 19, 2025.

Since 1962, the Canadian Nurses Foundation has been dedicated to providing scholarships, funding and research grants in Canada to advance nursing excellence. Through strategic investments and targeted programs the Canadian Nurses Foundation is committed to addressing the needs faced by nurses and nursing students to improve healthcare outcomes for all people living in Canada. McGarvey’s deep knowledge about the unique role of health charities and experience working closely with nurses, research communities and governments, will enable us to build partnerships and revenue streams to fund nurses and nursing students in Canada.

Chris’s wealth of experience in partnership growth and healthcare philanthropy along with his proven track record in strategic growth and community engagement will be invaluable as we increase capacity of the nursing community through philanthropy” said Dr. Claire Betker, Chair of the Board of Directors.   

For the past decade Chris has held senior positions in prominent healthcare and community organizations, most recently as Canadian Nurses Foundation’s Vice President of Philanthropy & Community Engagement. His passion for nursing, history and insights into the Canadian healthcare system and its evolving demands uniquely positions him to implement the Canadian Nurses Foundation new strategic plan.

I am honoured, to take on this role and build on CNF’s legacy of supporting Canada’s nurses and nursing students,” said Chris. “Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system—essential to creating strong, healthy communities. With the support of our dedicated team, partners, donors, and the Board, I am excited to collaborate with Canadians from coast to coast to coast to continue to advance our mission. Together, we will provide more scholarship and award opportunities, increase programing and expand research grants – all helping to advance nursing excellence in Canada.”

Canadian Nurses Foundation Board of Directors also extends its gratitude to Rob Gottschalk for his strong leadership during his tenure. We wish Rob and his family well as he takes on new challenges.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Claire Betker, PhD, RN, CCHN(C), FCAN, Chair

Contact Us

The Canadian Nurses Foundation welcomes all inquiries.

Address Canadian Nurses Foundation
135 Michael Cowpland Drive
Suite 105, Kanata, ON K2M 2E9 Canada
Telephone: 613-680-0879
Toll Free: 1-844-204-0124
Email: info@cnf-fiic.ca
Media: cmcgarvey@cnf-fiic.ca

Giving Tuesday has become a global movement for giving and marks the beginning of the giving season for your favourite causes. Thank you for joining Canadian Nurses Foundation today as we celebrate our 10th annual campaign. Double your gift today!

We know that helping nurses and nursing students is a team effort. More qualified nurses, more nurse-led research, more nurses and nursing students supported with mentoring and proactive mental health programs and training – that’s the outcome of your support. This leads to a stronger, more robust healthcare system for Canada.

Your support today, on Giving Tuesday, empowers us to set ambitious goals, strengthen our resources, and show that our collective generosity fuels the next generation of nurses. Let’s make this year’s Giving Tuesday our most impactful yet, proving that our collective kindness can create lasting change.

Click here to double your donation today thanks to Meazure Learning and The OTUS Group – our matching partners for Giving Tuesday.