The Hartford Geriatric Nursing Initiative: Developing a focused strategy and strong partnerships to improve nursing care for older adults

This article traces the funding priorities of the John A. Hartford Foundation—the largest private philanthropy in the United States dedicated to aging and health—to increase the competence of the health care workforce (physicians, nurses, and social workers) to care for our aging society. A review of the Foundation's 15-year and over $70 million investment in geriatric nursing is presented with emphasis on 2 critical factors—a focused strategy and strong partnerships—to build the nation's nursing capacity to meet the health care needs of older Americans. The evolution of Hartford's strategic goal to ensure that all nurses are skilled to care for older adults is shared to illustrate why the Foundation now funds nursing efforts in the primary areas of faculty development and curricular change. This article also underscores the importance of establishing a network of diverse partnerships and collaborations to maximize impact and create synergies.