Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund

Matching grants help Florida nursing schools

Beginning July 1, 2026, Florida’s LINE Fund matches eligible nursing education contributions dollar for dollar, subject to available money. Eligible schools include public career centers, colleges and universities, qualifying private nonprofit colleges, and qualifying independent nursing programs. Schools must submit a timely, complete proposal naming a health care partner located and licensed in Florida. Cash contributions receive priority; donated teaching services, space, equipment, or similar goods and services need a certified fair-market dollar value. Proposals cannot rely only on donations of goods or services. Grants support student scholarships, instructors, clinical trainers, internships, equipment, and efforts to improve enrollment, graduation, and licensing-test results. Existing facilities can be improved to increase enrollment or improve training space, but grants cannot fund new buildings. Schools must report contributions received before matching money is paid, and payments cannot exceed those contributions’ eligible value. The state can approve up to two additional academic years when awards support long-term goals; later awards require appropriations and continued partner contributions and notices. Funded schools must report expansion, added students, scholarships and average awards, and program outcomes each year by February 1.