Incorporated in 1954, NEF is administered by a Board of Directors comprised of prominent people in nursing, other professions, and business. Nurses comprise the majority of board members.
All board members serve on a volunteer basis.
Over the years, these funds have gradually increased as a result of wise investment, contributions from nursing leaders, friends of nursing, schools of nursing, and other organizations such as nursing alumni associations and nursing honor societies. Contributions have also been made by corporations including pharmaceutical companies and publishers, chief of which is the American Journal Of Nursing Company which provides essential operating resources such as office and meeting space. Each year, following an established screening and selection protocol, the Criteria and Eligibility Committee submits the list of those recommended for scholarships awards to the Board of Directors. These include the Isabel Hampton Robb Scholarship which is the oldest and top award for doctoral study. The M. Elizabeth Carnegie Minority Scholarship for doctoral study is personally funded each year by Dr. M. Elizabeth Carnegie, Editor Emertia of Nursing Research.