IHCA Foundation Scholarship Programs
About our Scholarship Programs
The IHCA Foundation is an affiliate of the Iowa Health Care Association (IHCA) that represents more than 800 Iowa long-term care providers. The Foundation’s scholarship programs are made for long-term care employees (skilled nursing, assisted living, home health, home care and care continuum communities) and high school students interested in a career in long-term care.
Applications are now open.
Applications are due by May 31, 2026.
Iowa Total Care Long-Term Care Workforce Scholarship
Made Possible by Iowa Total Care
Nine $1,500 Scholarships Available
Made for employees at IHCA member organizations enrolled or accepted in an accredited long-term care degree program.
Scholarship Notes
Scholarships are for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Applicants must be enrolled or accepted in an accredited program listed below:
- Dietetics
- Health Care Administration
- Nursing (RN, BSN, MSN)
- Social Services
- Therapy Disciplines (PT, OT, SLP)
- Other
- (Other undergraduate or advanced degrees in long-term care related fields, such as gerontology and other advanced nursing practice degrees, are eligible to apply.)
MolinaCares High School Scholarship
Made Possible by The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation (MolinaCares)
Nine $2,000 Scholarships Available
Made for Iowa high school seniors who are in their senior year of high school during the 2025-2026 academic year and interested in pursuing a nursing career in long-term care.
Scholarship Notes
Scholarships are for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Applicants must be enrolled or accepted in an accredited program listed below:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
- Registered Nurse (RN)
John W. & Kimberly D. Grubb Registered Nurse (RN) Scholarship
Made Possible by the John R. and Zelda Z. Grubb Charitable Foundation
One $3,000 Scholarship Available
Made for an employee of an IHCA member organization who is pursuing an accredited registered nurse degree and interested in a future career in long-term care nursing.
Scholarship Notes
Scholarships are for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Eligible degree program of study:
- RN
Care Initiatives Director of Nursing (DON) Leadership Scholarship
Made Possible by Care Initiatives
Seven Scholarships Available
Made for ADONs, DONs or RNs* who are employed by an IHCA member facility and are interested in attending the American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN) Director of Nursing Services (DNS-CT) in December 2026.
Scholarship Notes
*If the applicant is an RN, they must be actively pursuing training for future anticipated ADON or DON duties, as approved/confirmed by their manager.
Care Initiatives New DON Scholarship
Made Possible by Care Initiatives
Six Scholarships Available
Made for new ADONs, DONs or RNs* who are employed by an IHCA member facility to attend the DON Fundamentals - A Playbook for New Nurse Leaders in October 2026.
Scholarship Notes
*If the applicant is an RN, they must be actively pursuing training for future anticipated ADON or DON duties, as approved/confirmed by their manager.
Congratulations to our 2025 scholarship recipients.
Questions + Contact
For questions about applying for a scholarship or sponsoring future scholarships, please contact Natalie Thompson at [email protected].
