• Complimentary meeting registration
• Complimentary accommodation at the host hotel (Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk)
• Complimentary air travel
• Reimbursement for ground transportation, meals, and other meeting-related expenses

Interested applicants can self-nominate or a representative of the VON-member hospital may apply for the scholarship on behalf of the eligible team member by submitting a one-page letter highlighting their expertise, experience, and examples of improvement efforts.

• Registered nurse and/or advanced practice nurse from a VON member center.
• Demonstrated strong interested in improving the quality, safety, and value of care.
• Actively engaged in quality improvement projects and programs.
• Special consideration will be given to those who have mentored and motivated other staff in their center.

• Team member from a VON member center who is not an RN, MD, or family partner.
• Demonstrated strong interested in improving the quality, safety, and value of care.
• Actively engaged in quality improvement projects and programs.
• Special consideration will be given to those who have mentored and motivated other staff in their center.

• A current family partner who is an active member of their VON center.
• The family partner is the parent of an infant cared for in a NICU and is not also a member of the clinical care team.
• The family partner must be from a hospital that participates in a VON database. Current participation in VON QI Collaborative at the NICQ or iNICQ level is NOT required.
• The family partner must be able to travel and attend the full VON Quality Congress from November 5-8, 2026 in Chicago.
• VON Family Leader faculty are not eligible for the scholarship.
• The family partner will attend the family partner luncheons. If the scholarship recipient is from a center participating in the 2026 All Care is Brain Care quality improvement collaborative, the family partner will also attend those sessions hosted on Thursday for NICQ Homeroom, and on Friday for NICQ and iNICQ centers.
• Personal statement should address:
  • What brought you to the role of family partner?
  • What contributions have you made in the role as family? Include how long you have been in the role as family partner.
  • How will attending the 2026 Quality Congress advance your work?

• Health care provider from low-or-middle income countries (LMIC)
• Strong interest in improving the quality, safety, and availability of care
• Active engagement in newborn health program development and implementation in LMIC