Awards & Educational Grant Programs Program
Educational Grant Program
The HCANJ Foundation offers educational grants to centers wanting to help fund employees’ education.
Purpose of Program: The Health Care Association of New Jersey Foundation Grant Program is a discretionary grant program that provides funding for study by member center staff, to help them to obtain licensure, accreditation, advanced degrees, etc., in fields directly related to long term care.
Eligibility of Applicants: The grant program is open to all Health Care Association of New Jersey member centers who are current with their dues. The following individuals may submit applications:
- Owner
- Chief Operating Officer
- Administrator/Executive Director
- Director of Nursing
Eligible Application of Funds: The awarded funds must be used to help eligible staff attend institutions of higher learning or appropriate licensing/certifying programs in order to further their education to the direct and specific benefit of the long term care profession. Examples include:
- Nursing school leading to RN
- College leading to an advanced nursing degree
- ANCC Gero Nurse or other advanced nursing certification program
- LNHA/CALA program
- Art/Recreation Therapy certifications
- Registered dietitian
Grant Application Period:
March 1 through close of business April 30 (unless April 30 falls on a weekend or holiday, in which case the deadline will be close of business the next business day).
Grant Funding Awarded:
August 15 – 30, unless otherwise indicated, made payable to the facility
Awards Program
The Health Care Association of New Jersey established an annual awards program to recognize the contributions of outstanding long term care staff, residents and volunteers from throughout the state. The program honors individuals in the following areas:
- Administrator of the Year – recognizing outstanding leadership, commitment and innovation by administrators of member long term care centers
- Nurse of the Year – recognizing outstanding contributions to the nursing profession in long term care and to the field of health care
- Spirit of Service Award/Caregiver of the Year – recognizing outstanding contributions in support of the long term care profession and to the enhancement of the health and/or quality of life of residents
- Resident of the Year – recognizing a resident who has made outstanding contributions to enhance the lives of fellow residents
- Volunteer of the Year – recognizing an individual or group who has made significant contributions to the quality of life of long term care residents.
- **NEW THIS YEAR** Rising Star of the Year Award: Recognizes an early-career professional, with fewer than five years of experience in long term care, who demonstrates strong leadership potential, innovative thinking, and a future commitment to enhancing the quality of care and life for residents.
Nomination Guidelines
- Nominees must have been working, residing, or volunteering at the same member center for at least 12 months prior to nomination.
- Member centers may submit one or more nominations in any category. A separate nomination form must be completed for each candidate.
- All nominations must be submitted by June 30.