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ANA MFP Application & Reporting Portal
Access applications, manage fellowship requirements, and support the review and selection process.
Welcome to the American Nurses Association Minority Fellowship Program (ANA MFP) Community! For more 50+ years, the ANA MFP has prepared psychiatric mental health nurses to lead in clinical practice, academia, policy, and research. Through financial support, mentorship, and professional development opportunities, the program equips fellows to advance behavioral health care and improve outcomes for medically underinivested communities.
Now you can join this network of leaders and become one of more than 1,000 fellows transforming behavioral health care across the nation.
Applications for the Fall 2026-Fall 2027 Fellowship Cohort are open through Monday, June 8, 2026!
Before beginning, explore the eligibility requirements and other key materials in the tabs above to ensure the program aligns with your academic background and career goals in mental health and substance misuse prevention and treatment.
TO APPLY OR ACCESS YOUR ACCOUNT
New Applicants: Register/log in to start or continue your fellowship application. Submit all materials by the deadline of June 8, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST.
Current Fellows: Register/log in to manage your account and to complete your Spring End-of-Semester report for reappointment.
Whether you are applying or continuing your fellowship journey, we look forward to supporting your impact in behavioral health. The ANA MFP is funded by SAMHSA under grant number 1H79SM090074-02.
New Applicants
Call for Applications open through Monday, June 8!
The ANA MFP Fellowship supports master’s and doctoral-level nurses who are committed to advancing nursing leadership in behavioral health. For 50+ years, our fellows have expanded access to mental health and substance misuse care while leading change across clinical practice, education, policy, and research.
In the following sections, you'll find everything you need to get started, from our program’s rich history to practical tips for submitting a strong application. Explore the sections below to learn about:
- Eligibility & Fellowship Commitment
- Instructions for a Strong Application
- How to Apply
- Application Process
- FAQs
Review and Selection Process
Each application is evaluated through a comprehensive and competitive two-phase review process conducted by members of the American Nurses Association (ANA) Board-appointed National Advisory Committee (NAC), a team of trained alumni reviewers and ANA MFP staff.
Phase One: Application Review
Applications are independently reviewed and scored by multiple reviewers based on established criteria. Following individual evaluations, NAC members convene to discuss applications in depth and identify top-ranked candidates for advancement. As part of this review, applications are assessed across several key areas, including:
- Academic performance
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement and clarity of career goals
- Commitment to behavioral health and serving populations with limited access to care
- Research, clinical, leadership, and community engagement experience (as applicable)
Phase Two: Virtual Interview
Applicants selected from Phase One are invited to participate in a virtual interview with members of the ANA MFP team, including the Program Director.
Final Selection Criteria
Final fellowship appointments are based on a combination of:
- Application and interview scores
- Demonstrated intent to pursue study and professional work in mental health and substance misuse prevention, treatment, and recovery
- Progress toward or completion of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse certification (or a clear plan to meet requirements prior to graduation)
- Demonstrated commitment to a career in behavioral health nursing, particularly in communities with limited access to services
Applicants will be notified via email from mfp@ana.org no later than September 2026 regarding their award status. Awards are contingent on funding from SAMHSA.
Use the guidance below to prepare and submit a strong application.
General Guidance
- Review the eligibility requirements carefully before starting your application to ensure you meet all criteria at the time of submission.(Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements at the time of application submission).
- Ensure your Letters of Recommendation (LORs) are submitted on time and come from faculty members who can speak about your academic preparation and professional goals. Choose recommenders strategically—faculty who know your work well and can address your readiness for graduate level behavioral health nursing are strongest.
- Applications that are late or incomplete will not be reviewed. Submit all required materials by the stated deadline.
- Provide clear, complete responses to all application questions, including personal statements and narrative sections.
- Demonstrate a clear career trajectory in psychiatric mental health and/or substance misuse treatment and prevention, including how the Fellowship will support your long term goals.
- Highlight your experience serving populations with limited access to care (e.g., veterans, rural residents or individuals living in geographically isolated areas, youth in high-need settings, uninsured/underinsured individuals, etc.)
- Collect the following items in advance: proof of citizenship or residency, proof of enrollment or acceptance, RN license documentation, academic transcripts, curriculum vitae (CV), and personal statement. You will need to upload these items.
- Keep copies of all submitted materials for your records and future reference.
- Monitor your email regularly after submission for updates or requests from the ANA MFP team.
Application Portal & Technical Tips
- Use the Chrome browser and ensure a stable internet connection; avoid public or unstable Wi Fi when working in the application portal.
- Open only one application window or browser tab at a time. Having multiple tabs open may cause data to fail to save properly.
- If eligibility criteria are not met or are answered incorrectly in the pre screener, the system will prevent application creation.
- Applications cannot be submitted until all three (3) Letters of Recommendation (LORs) are fully received in the system. Initiating a request is not sufficient—each recommender must complete and submit their letter.
- Save your work at the end of each section. While the system has autosave functionality, it may not consistently capture all entries.
- After uploading a document, confirm that the file name appears below the upload field. The file name will not appear inside the field itself.
- Keep file names simple (avoid special characters) to reduce the risk of upload errors.
- Before submitting, download and review a complete copy of your application to ensure all responses and uploads are accurate and complete.
- If you encounter errors, take screenshots of the message and email the ANA MFP team for assistance.
Contact us at mfp@ana.org with any questions.
How to Apply
1. Register
Click on the "Register" link in the top right corner to complete and submit the registration form.
2. Login
Login using your email and password.
3. Pre-Screener
Complete the eligibility screener by answering all required questions (marked with a red asterisk).
4. Select
Select the applicable Fellowship from the drop down list to create an application.
5. Save
While working on your application, we recoomend saving often. At any time, you can download and print your application by clicking on the 
icon in the application Summary section.
6. Submit
On completion, submit your application as FINAL. Download and print a copy of your application for your records by clicking on the download button in the application Summary. Note: If an update is required prior to the Deadline, you can make the update and resubmit as FINAL.
Review and Selection Process
Each application is evaluated through a comprehensive and competitive two-phase review process conducted by members of the American Nurses Association (ANA) Board-appointed National Advisory Committee (NAC), a team of trained alumni reviewers and ANA MFP staff.
Phase One: Application Review
Applications are independently reviewed and scored by multiple reviewers based on established criteria. Following individual evaluations, NAC members convene to discuss applications in depth and identify top-ranked candidates for advancement. As part of this review, applications are assessed across several key areas, including:
- Academic performance
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement and clarity of career goals
- Commitment to behavioral health and serving populations with limited access to care
- Research, clinical, leadership, and community engagement experience (as applicable)
Phase Two: Virtual Interview
Applicants selected from Phase One are invited to participate in a virtual interview with members of the ANA MFP team, including the Program Director.
Final Selection Criteria
Final fellowship appointments are based on a combination of:
- Application and interview scores
- Demonstrated intent to pursue study and professional work in mental health and substance misuse prevention, treatment, and recovery
- Progress toward or completion of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse certification (or a clear plan to meet requirements prior to graduation)
- Demonstrated commitment to a career in behavioral health nursing, particularly in communities with limited access to services
FAQs
Q: What is the American Nurses Association Minority Fellowship Program (ANA MFP)?
A: Funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) through a training grant, the Minority Fellowship Program provides up to two, three, and five year Fellowships to psychiatric nurses who are pursuing masters and doctoral degrees, The SAMHSA Fellowship only provides funding for individuals pursuing these graduate degrees DOES NOT fund post-masters Psychiatric Mental Health certificate programs. The Fellowship supports individuals committed to careers in mental health and substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery, particularly in communities with limited access to care.
Q: What are the benefits of the Fellowship?
A: Fellows receive a comprehensive package of financial and professional support, including:
- Annual stipend (amount varies based on federal funding)
- Individual mentorship and group coaching
- Statistical and research support
- Professional development and leadership training
- Networking opportunities, including access to the ANA MFP community (mobile app)
- Training in mental health and substance misuse prevention, treatment, and recovery
- Access to webinars, podcasts, and national convenings
Q: How much money does the Fellowship award?
A: The annual stipend amount varies annually and is contingent on Federal allocations to the program. Currently, the maximum annual stipend for doctoral Fellows is $22,000 and $15,000 for masters Fellows, paid directly to the Fellow’s bank account electronically in three installments. Final award amounts are confirmed each year and may change.
Q: How many Fellowships are awarded each year?
A: The number of Fellowships awarded each year is determined by the funding provided by SAMHSA.
Q: What is the duration of the Fellowship?
A: Fellowship duration depends on the degree program:
Master’s: up to 2 years
DNP: up to 3 years
PhD: up to 5 years
PhD Fellows who exceed five years may continue as “unfunded Fellows” with access to program support but without financial assistance.
Q: Does the program fund post master's certificates?
A: No.
Q: Is financial need a requirement for eligibility?
A: No.
Q: If I receive funding from another source, may I also accept funding from the Fellowship?
A: It depends on the type of funding received.
- Federal funding:
- Applicants who receive funding from another federal source are not eligible for the ANA MFP Fellowship. This includes funding from the Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP). Additionally, once you accept the MFP Fellowship, you may not receive funding from any other federal source.
-
Private funding:
Applicants who receive private (non‑federal) funding may still be considered for the Fellowship. Private funding is reviewed on a case‑by‑case basis by the ANA MFP NAC. Please note that other private funding which includes a post‑graduation service obligation may affect eligibility. -
Service obligations:
Any funding source—federal, state, or professional—that requires a service commitment after your academic training may create a conflict with ANA MFP program requirements, impacting eligibility.
Q: Do Fellows have to repay the funds awarded?
A: If all program requirements are met, Fellows are not required to repay the funding they receive. However, the ANA could require a Fellow to repay funds if the Fellow:
- Is dismissed from school for academic or disciplinary reasons
- Voluntarily ends his or her academic training before graduating from the degree program for which the fellowship was awarded,
- Upon graduation, does not pursue a career providing direct service and leadership in mental health or substance abuse disorders
Q: Does the Fellowship select schools for the applicant?
A: No. However, if an applicant requests our support, ANA MFP NAC members or staff may make recommendations.
Q: What is the review and selection process?
A: The application review process is conducted in two phases:
Each application is reviewed and scored by three members of the ANA Board‑appointed National Advisory Committee (NAC). Reviewers score applications independently based on established criteria. Following individual scoring, NAC members meet to discuss applications in depth and identify top‑ranked candidates for advancement.
Phase Two: Virtual Interview
Applicants selected from Phase One are invited to participate in a virtual interview with the Project Director, Academic Consultant, and selected ANA MFP team and NAC members.
Final Fellowship appointments are based on a combination of the following factors:
- Application and interview scores
- Demonstrate intent to pursue study and professional work in mental health and substance misuse prevention, treatment, and recovery
- Certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse, or completion of at least nine psychiatric nursing courses with a clear plan to meet certification requirements prior to graduation
- Demonstrate a clear commitment to a career in behavioral health nursing, particularly in communities with limited access to services.
Q: When will I learn whether I have been awarded an ANA MFP Fellowship?
A: Fellowship appointments are announced in alignment with the federal grant cycle, which begins in September. All applicants will receive an email notification informing them of their application status once selections are finalized.
Q: I have applied for a doctoral program, but I have not yet been accepted or enrolled. May I apply for the Fellowship?
A: Yes, applicants may submit a Fellowship application while their graduate program enrollment is still pending. However, if you are selected as a Fellow, your appointment will be contingent upon providing proof of full‑time enrollment in an accredited graduate nursing program by the time the Fellowship begins in the fall.
Q: What happens after my application for the Fellowship is approved?
A: Your participation in the Fellowship becomes official once you have completed and returned all required award acceptance documents.
After acceptance, the ANA MFP will host an orientation to onboard new Fellows and review program expectations, requirements, and available supports. Fellows receive ongoing guidance and supportive consultation throughout their graduate program and beyond.
In addition, your major faculty advisor at your school or university will be notified of your Fellowship award and invited to partner with the ANA MFP. This collaboration helps ensure you are progressing in your full‑time psychiatric nursing program and meeting all SAMHSA‑required program expectations.
Q: How does receiving the Fellowship affect my employment, benefits, or taxes?
A: Receipt of the stipend award does not mean that you are employed by the Federal Government or the American Nurses Association, nor are you eligible for benefits available to Federal or ANA employees.
There may be a tax liability associated with the Fellowship stipend, so Fellows are encouraged to speak with a tax consultant to ensure they are handling the Fellowship award appropriately and meeting all IRS requirements. It is the Fellows responsibility to investigate any tax liabilities. ANA cannot be held responsible if Fellows misrepresent the ANA MFP Fellowship award to the IRS.
Each year, the ANA Finance Department forwards the 1099 form directly to the address on file for the Fellow. Any questions regarding the 1099 form should be directed to the ANA Finance Department, and not the program staff, at 301.628.5000.
Q: Can I decline the Fellowship?
A: Yes, you can decline the Fellowship without penalty. You must mail a signed letter declining the Fellowship offer to the ANA MFP team. Once you decline the Fellowship in writing, it will be awarded to another applicant. (Telephone calls are not acceptable).
Q: What is the process for continuation of the Award?
A: Continuation of Fellowship support for current Fellows is contingent upon the following:
- Availability of federal funding from SAMHSA
- Ongoing eligibility, including continuous full‑time enrollment in the academic program for which the Fellowship was awarded (Fellows may not repeat coursework)
- Compliance with all program requirements, including timely submission of required documentation and adherence to the ANA MFP procedures for requesting continued support.
Continuation is not guaranteed and is reviewed annually based on these criteria.
Q: When does the ANA MFP discontinue support to a Fellow?
A: Funding will be discontinued if any of the following occur:
- If the Fellow is on a leave of absence, for personal or medical reasons, which has been approved by their school/university
- If the Fellow is not a full-time student
- If the Fellow withdraws or is dismissed from their doctoral program
- In the month the Fellow graduates and receives his or her doctorate
Q: Are there opportunities for post-doctoral Fellowships?
A: Post-doctoral fellowships are dependent upon whether SAMHSA funding is available. For information about post-doctoral Fellowships, please contact mfp@ana.org.
Q: What is the number of credits required to be considered full–time?
A: Full-time enrollment status is defined by the academic institution in which you are enrolled or plan to matriculate. This status is typically determined by a minimum number of credit hours or a prescribed course load per academic term.
Q: Can applicants who are not in nursing programs apply?
A: Though the ANA MFP program is focused on supporting nurses looking to provide direct care across the lifespan, you may want to look into other guilds, particularly those in the fields of psychology, social work, professional counseling, and marriage and family therapy.
The links are as follows:
- American Psychological Association (APA) - www.apa.org
- American Psychiatric Association (APA) - www.psychiatry.org
- Foundation for the Advancement of Human Systems (FAHS) - www.fahs.org
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) – www.cswe.org
- National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) – www.nbcc.org
- American College of Academic Addiction Medicine (AACAM) - www.acaam.org
Q: Can I have my transcript mailed or can I scan and attach it to the applications?
A: Transcripts must be scanned and uploaded with your application.
Q: What are the Fellowship program requirements?
A: Fellows are expected to actively participate in all required program activities throughout the year. Fellowship requirements include:
- Participation in required professional development and training activities
- Engagement in the structured mentorship program
- Submission of required progress and outcome reports
- Attendance at the mandatory three‑day summer Intensive Training Institute (ITI) and participation in scheduled Fireside Chats
- Completion of additional program deliverables, as required
No separate academic projects or papers are required beyond these expectations, as the Fellowship is designed to complement - rather than add to—your graduate coursework.
Q: Who may provide letters of recommendation -- academic colleagues or faculty members?
A: Letters of recommendation must be submitted by faculty members under whom you have studied or worked.
Current Fellows
This portal is your central hub for staying connected and on track throughout your fellowship. Here, you’ll complete key program requirements and share your progress as you grow professionally.
Use this section to:
- Submit your Application Acceptance Form to confirm your participation
- Complete your End-of-Semester Reports to reflect on academic progress and identify areas for support
Log in into the ANA MFP Fellowship portal today to complete your Spring EOS.
Eligibility Criteria & Fellowship Commitment
General
- Active membership in the American Nurses Association (ANA)
- U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status
- Full-time enrollment in an accredited behavioral health nursing program (at time of application)
- Must have at least one year remaining in current academic program at the time of acceptance
- Must hold an active Registered Nurse (RN) license
- Agreement that the ANA MFP will be the sole source of federal academic funding, if selected
- Commitment to submitting an approved plan of study, signed by major academic advisor, within 30 days of program acceptance (including required core courses and behavioral health-related clinical practice hours)
- Curriculum and plan of study focused on the prevention, treatment, and recovery of behavioral health disorders, grounded in theoretical and clinical science
- Commitment to 2 years of service in mental health and/or substance misuse prevention and treatment in communities with limited access post-graduation
Doctoral Track (PhD/DNP) -- Additional Eligibility Requirements
- Hold a Master’s degree OR
- Have completed at least nine (9) academic credits related to psychiatric mental health and/or substance misuse treatment and prevention
- Enrollment in an accredited doctoral-level behavioral health nursing program
Master'sTrack -- Additional Eligibility Requirements
- Have completed at least nine (9) academic credits related to psychiatric mental health and/or substance misuse treatment and prevention
- Enrollment in an accredited Master’s-level behavioral health nursing program
Program Length and Commitment
- Fellows commit to a program period aligned with their master’s and doctoral program requirements
- Fellows must maintain full-time enrollment and remain in good academic standing throughout the fellowship
- Participation in a structured mentorship program with assigned mentor is required
- Submission of quarterly mentorship progress reports and end-of-semester reports required
- Attendance at the mandatory summer Intensive Training Institute (ITI) & participation in virtual professional development activities
Note
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A fully accredited school or degree program is one that is accredited by a national accrediting agency and/or a state approval agency recognized by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education. The program does not fund post master’s certificates.
Eligibility Criteria
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Contact Us
American Nurses Association
SAMHSA Minority Fellowship Program
8403 Colesville Road
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Email: mfp@ana.org