Oncology Nursing Society Foundation Doctoral Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Oncology Nursing Society Foundation
Overview
These doctoral scholarships are made possible through the Oncology Nursing Foundation, the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation, and the Ann Olson Scholarship Fund. They exist to help registered nurses who are dedicated to oncology nursing pursue a doctoral-level education—either a research doctorate (PhD) or a clinical doctorate (DNP).
Award
- Amount: $7,500 per recipient.
- Limit: Recipients may receive this particular scholarship only once.
Who is eligible
Applicants must meet all of the following:
- Be a registered nurse.
- Be enrolled in, accepted to, or have applied to a PhD or DNP nursing program at an accredited institution for the 2026–2027 academic year (programs beginning fall 2026).
- Be in good academic standing.
- Demonstrate a commitment to oncology nursing.
- Provide a reference letter from a current work supervisor or an academic advisor on official organizational letterhead, signed by the recommender.
- Agree to complete a post-graduation survey.
Approved uses of scholarship funds
Funds may be applied only to tuition and fees required for enrollment or attendance, or to course-related expenses such as required books, supplies, lab fees, and equipment for approved courses at the educational institution for the 2025–2026 academic year. Funds may NOT be used for travel-related costs or dissertation-related expenses. Any portion of the award not used for the allowed expenses must be returned to the Oncology Nursing Foundation.
Application fee and payment instructions
- A non-refundable application processing fee of $5.00 is required before submitting the application.
- After you complete payment, you will receive an email from ONS Customer Service. Enter the Order number exactly as provided into the “Application Fee Payment Code” field on your application.
Required application materials
- Completed online application submitted through the application platform (no paper or emailed applications accepted).
- Signed letter of recommendation on organizational letterhead from your current supervisor or academic advisor.
- Documentation of professional, membership, and volunteer activities.
Selection and scoring
Reviewers will evaluate applications based on several elements, including but not limited to:
- How fully and clearly your essays answer the prompt(s) and address the Foundation’s mission pillars (education, research, leadership) and the organization’s diversity, equity, and inclusion statements (these documents are available in the application materials).
- Quality of writing: grammar, punctuation, syntax, clarity, and conciseness.
- Description of your role in oncology nursing, professional growth, and contributions to the cancer care community (including membership or volunteer roles).
- Clarity and feasibility of goals for advancing oncology nursing (specific, measurable, actionable, and realistic objectives).
Application tips
- Begin your application well before the deadline; constructing a competitive submission takes time.
- Gather required items in advance (for example, the name and email of your recommender) to avoid delays.
- Use the full word count where appropriate and ensure your essay responses are well written and directly answer the questions.
- Consider free writing tools (e.g., Grammarly) and ask a colleague to proofread your application for spelling, grammar, and clarity.
Essay prompts and word limits
Oncology Nursing Foundation mission and DEI statement (summary)
The Foundation funds education, research, and leadership initiatives that support the oncology nursing community. The organization embraces diversity among oncology nurses, patients, employers, employees, and stakeholders, and strives to create inclusive, equitable environments through its philanthropic programs.
Required responses:
1) In 100 words or less, state your professional goals, explain how those goals advance oncology nursing, and describe how the doctoral program you are pursuing will help you reach those goals.
2) In 500 words or less, describe the impact of:
a) Your work on cancer patient care.
b) How you have developed professionally as a nurse.
c) How your role reflects the Oncology Nursing Foundation’s pillars (education, research, leadership).
d) How your role demonstrates your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Application procedures and deadlines
- Submit all application materials through the designated online platform; late submissions will not be accepted.
- Direct any questions to grants@onfgivesback.org. To receive an answer before the submission deadline, questions must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time on the application due date.
- All correspondence and required documents should follow the instructions in the online application system.
If you have additional questions about eligibility, documentation, or the submission process, email grants@onfgivesback.org.