Established in January 2018, the ACN Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Australian College of Nursing. It supports:
- Education and scholarships for nurses
- Leadership development opportunities
- Nursing research and policy advancement
- The preservation and promotion of nursing history and professional recognition
These milestones reflect the strength of collective support behind the Foundation.
January 2018
ACN Foundation was established
The ACN Foundation was established as the philanthropic arm of the Australian College of Nursing. Its creation marked an important step in formalising the College’s long-standing commitment to supporting the nursing profession through charitable giving. While the Australian College of Nursing and its predecessor organisations had provided scholarships, grants, and professional support for decades, the establishment of the Foundation created a dedicated structure to expand and sustain these efforts.
2 August 2023
Vivian Bullwinkel statue was unveiled at Australian War Memorial
A major milestone in the Foundation’s journey is The Bullwinkel Project, a significant national initiative honouring Australian nurse Vivian Bullwinkel. As part of this project, the Vivian Bullwinkel Statue was unveiled at the Australian War Memorial. The project was made possible through the generous support of government, community, and business donors.
16 February 2024
First Bullwinkel scholars announced
The Bullwinkel Project also includes the establishment of the Bullwinkel Scholarships with the first scholars announced on 16 February 2024. This flagship program supports the development of future nurse leaders, continuing Bullwinkel’s legacy of courage, leadership, and service.
Ongoing
Donations and partnerships
With ongoing donations and partnerships, the ACN Foundation continues to expand its impact – ensuring more nurses can access education, leadership opportunities, and resources that strengthen healthcare across Australia.
Registered charity
As a registered charity, the ACN Foundation enables individuals, organisations, and communities to contribute directly to initiatives that advance the nursing profession and improve health outcomes nationwide.