TNF PRESIDENT'S NOTE

TEXAS NURSES FOUNDATION

A Plan for the Future

Kristin Starnes-Ott, PhD, CRNA, FAANA, FNAP

President, Texas Nurses Foundation

The New Strategic Plan

I am truly proud of the work the Texas Nurses Foundation Board has accomplished over the past year. Together, we have worked with intention and urgency to rebuild the Foundation into an organization that meaningfully supports nurses across Texas through charitable giving.

In January 2026, the Foundation undertook a comprehensive strategic planning process. This work included internal surveys of board members and staff, a donor survey reaching 347 supporters from the past three years, and a deep review of our organizational capacity, finances, and the broader challenges facing nurses in Texas.

On January 30th, the Board and staff came together for a facilitated retreat to have candid, thoughtful conversations about the future of the Foundation. We confronted difficult realities about sustainability but more importantly, we aligned around opportunity and purpose.

One key theme emerged clearly: the Texas Nurses Foundation must stand on its own as a distinct organization, one that demonstrates unique value to the nursing profession, attracts donors, and delivers impact. Out of that work, we are proud to share our new mission:

The Texas Nurses Foundation invests in Texas nurses, supporting their professional well-being, career development, and contributions to health care through charitable programs and research.

This mission drives a focused strategic plan built around three priorities.

Our mission drives a focused strategic plan built around three priorities.

First, Champion Professional Enrichment

We are committed to supporting nurses in staying engaged in the profession through resources, recognition, and direct support.

Our goal is to strengthen retention and career satisfaction for Texas nurses by helping them navigate challenges, find workplaces where they can thrive, and remain committed to the profession over time.

In the next 24 months, we will:

  • Launch at least one flagship program with measurable impact on nurse satisfaction and engagement,
  • Award a minimum of three mini-grants or stipends to support nurse-led initiatives, and
  • Develop resources to help nurses explore and grow within their career pathways.

Second, Invest in Research and Evidence

We are building and activating the Clair B. Jordan (CBJ) Center for Health Policy to inform the profession with meaningful data and powerful stories.

Our goal is to position the Foundation and the CBJ Center as a credible, trusted source of insight on nurse attrition, retention, and workforce challenges across Texas.

Within 24 months, we will:

  • Publish at least one research product,
  • Establish the Center as a go-to resource for policymakers and media, and
  • Demonstrate how research strengthens both advocacy and fundraising efforts.

Third, Ensure Organizational Sustainability

To deliver on our mission, we must build a strong, stable foundation financially and operationally.

Our goal is to strengthen our infrastructure, professionalize fundraising, and create the capacity needed for long-term success.

Over the next 24 months, we will:

  • Implement a budget reduction plan to achieve a balanced budget by 2029,
  • Double our donor base from approximately 120 to more than 240 annual donors,
  • Establish a formal fundraising strategy with dedicated capacity, and
  • Clarify and strengthen our brand identity, distinct from TNA.

In closing, this past year has been about rebuilding, redefining, and recommitting to nurses, to our donors, and to the future of the profession in Texas.

I am incredibly excited about what lies ahead for the Texas Nurses Foundation, and I am grateful for your continued support as we move this work forward. You can support this future forward work by donating today to help us reach our strategic goals! TN