ABOUT HNEF

Houston Nursing Education Foundation

The Houston Nursing Education Foundation (HNEF), a not-for-profit organization, awards financial scholarships to Houston-area nursing students. In 2025 alone, HNEF awarded more than $750,000 in scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students attending accredited programs at eight local universities. Over its history, HNEF has directed the distribution of over $6 million in support of better healthcare for all people in the Houston area.
In long-running association with:
OUR History

Continuing a 100-year legacy

HNEF continues a 100-year history of supporting healthcare needs of the greater Houston area. It is the direct successor to the original Houston Settlement Association founded in 1908 and the subsequent Visiting Nurse Association of Houston.

In 1994 the organization became known as Healthcare and Nursing Education Foundation. For many years it pursued a dual mission: funding nursing scholarships, and awarding grants to nonprofit organizations to encourage the creation of new models in healthcare delivery in Houston.

In 2024 the organization decided to dedicate all of its resources to providing scholarships to nursing students who plan to practice in our community, and changed its name to Houston Nursing Education Foundation.
119
Nurse scholars currently enrolled
$
757,000
Awarded for current academic year
$
900,000
Slated for 2026–2027 academic year
Scholarships

Application Information

Applications for the Houston Nursing Education Foundation nursing scholarships are accepted annually. Please see our Scholarships page for information.
Testimonials

Real Stories. Real Protection.

Thousands of people trust us to protect their families, their health, their homes, and their future. But don’t just take our word for it hear directly from the people who’ve experienced the difference.
James Thore
Small business owner
"When a storm damaged our roof, TotalHome Security had an adjuster onsite within hours. We got our full claim approved in 3 days—no fights, no delays. THIS is how insurance should work."
Laura Méndez
Freelance designer
“The support team was incredibly fast. I submitted my request at night and got help first thing in the morning. Super professional and clear.”
Camila Rojas
Legal consultant
“I’ve dealt with delays in the past, but not this time. Everything was approved in hours. No forms, no stress, just results. Loved that.”
Daniela Pérez
E-commerce founder
“Quickest process I’ve ever seen. From quote to approval it felt seamless. It’s rare to find a team that delivers exactly what they promise.”
James Thore
Small business owner
"When a storm damaged our roof, TotalHome Security had an adjuster onsite within hours. We got our full claim approved in 3 days—no fights, no delays. THIS is how insurance should work."
Laura Méndez
Freelance designer
“The support team was incredibly fast. I submitted my request at night and got help first thing in the morning. Super professional and clear.”
Camila Rojas
Legal consultant
“I’ve dealt with delays in the past, but not this time. Everything was approved in hours. No forms, no stress, just results. Loved that.”
Daniela Pérez
E-commerce founder
“Quickest process I’ve ever seen. From quote to approval it felt seamless. It’s rare to find a team that delivers exactly what they promise.”
Note From The Board President

March 1, 2024

"After many years of supporting a variety of programs to help meet unaddressed healthcare needs in the Houston metropolitan area, the Board of Directors of the Houston Nursing Education Foundation has decided to focus all of its resources on providing scholarships to nursing students who plan to practice in our community. This decision was based on the Board’s desire to help address the critical shortage of nurses and its belief that a more targeted use of the Foundation’s available funds will have a greater impact. As a result, the Foundation plans to change its name to the Houston Nursing Education Foundation in order to better reflect its mission.

As we move forward, we are delighted to support an expanded cohort of individuals who plan to pursue a career in nursing or enhance their credentials in the field." 

-Board President

Get in Touch

Please feel free to reach out to us for more information about Scholarships or making Donations.