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FNSNA FAQ'S
History of the FNSNA
The Foundation of the National Student Nurses Association (FNSNA) was created in 1969 and dedicated to Frances Tompkins, NSNA’s first Executive Director who envisioned an entity that could provide tax deductible contributions for scholarships. That year, at the Annual Convention, a “hat” was passed in the House of Delegates for contributions for “seed money” to establish the FNSNA. The House of Delegates ratified the action of the Board of Directors and recommended that legal steps be taken to create an organization with the intent of seeking grants and contributions that would be tax deductible for donors. Five years later, the Foundation awarded its first scholarship. Since 1974, the FNSNA has awarded over $11 million in scholarships to undergraduate nursing students alone. The tradition of “passing the hat” continues with the fund raisers held at the MidYear Conference and the Annual Convention.
Are donations to the FNSNA tax deductible?
Yes. The FNSNA is organized as a 501 (C) (3) charitable foundation. Contributions to the FNSNA are tax-deductible. It is recommended that you check with your tax advisor on the impact to your particular tax situation.
What becomes of donations to the FNSNA?
Donations to the FNSNA really do reach their destinations and provide needed scholarships. The FNSNA does not waste donated funds on gifts and advertising. Funds raised at the MidYear Conference and at the Annual Convention may be used for specific situations, for example as relief for nursing students impacted by disasters such as hurricanes. Donations can be made to grow an existing endowment that provides scholarships and aid from the interest generated. Donations also can be made to create a new scholarship or endowment.
How does donated money translate into scholarships and grants?
Each year, a Scholarship Selection Committee, composed of volunteer faculty and nursing students, gathers at NSNA’s Headquarters in Brooklyn to review applications from across the United States. Scholarships range from $1,000-$10,000. The number and amount of scholarships depends upon the pot of money available each year.
How can a small donation make a difference?
By pooling donations of various amounts from many people and groups, scholarships that make a difference can be awarded. Donations for specific purposes are used as the donor’s request. General donations to FNSNA allow the monies to be used where they are most needed. Scholarship recipients experience the power of knowing that each scholarship is a testament to belief in the strong future of nursing as a profession.
Can I donate if I don’t have a lot of money to give?
Definitely! The FNSNA depends upon and appreciates contributions of any size from individuals, community groups, businesses and all others with an interest in supporting the future of the nursing profession. Many people are also connected with other individuals and groups committed to nursing. Letting them know about FNSNA’s quest for scholarship funding gives them the opportunity to donate, too.
How do I make a donation to the FNSNA to support its scholarships and grants?
Checks and credit cards are easy ways to send donations. Donations also can be made during the fund raising events at the Mid-Year Conference and at the NSNA Annual Convention.
Checks made payable to the FNSNA should be sent to: The Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association 45 Main Street, Suite 606 Brooklyn NY 11201 Credit card donations can be made directly through the website by clicking on Donate Can I direct my donation for a specific fund? Yes. Donations can also be made to any of the several named scholarships click here to view. Individuals or groups may welcome the chance to establish a particular scholarship or grant for students. What are some opportunities for giving?
Opportunities for giving include unrestricted donations to the FNSNA, donations to specific scholarships dispersed by the FNSNA or creation of a new scholarship or funding program. Examples of scholarship programs and funding opportunities that exist within the FNSNA include:
What is the difference between the NSNA’s Board of Directors and the FNSNA’s Board of Trustees?
Each year at the annual NSNA convention, the House of Delegates elects undergraduate nursing students who serve one year terms as a governing Board of Directors for the NSNA, an association by students and for students. The FNSNA’s Board of Trustees is the governing body of the Foundation of the NSNA and is elected by the NSNA’s Board. Trustees are not undergraduate students, but all have experience and commitment to nursing education and the future of nursing. Many Trustees have been active in NSNA, served as advisors or are involved in such areas as finance and leadership. The Board of Trustees focuses on the mission and goals of the Foundation. Although offices of the FNSNA and the NSNA are at the NSNA’s Headquarters, the associations are separate. The President of the NSNA attends FNSNA meetings ex-officio.
What is Forever Nursing, the term often seen along with FNSNA and NSNA?
Forever Nursing is the Endowment Campaign for the FNSNA. Established in 2008 by the FNSNA’s Board of Trustees, this is an ongoing fundraising initiative with a goal of ensuring funding for current and FNSNA scholarships that support nursing education. Although over $3 million dollars has been raised, Forever Nursing….The Endowment Campaign for FNSNA will always be needed.
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Please donate today!
The FNSNA depends upon and appreciates contributions of any size from its members, community groups, businesses and all others with an interest in supporting the future of the nursing profession.
Please make your tax-deductible donation today by clicking on Donate or contact Lauren Sperle, Foundation Specialist to discuss creation of an endowment or donation in other ways.