A national benevolence fund for Christian Science nursing care is now available for individuals living in the United States. Those who need assistance paying for their Christian Science nursing care can apply to the National Fund for Christian Science Nursing (NFCSN) for a grant. While national funds have been operating in other countries over the years, this is the first of this kind in the United States. Several individual and institutional donors contributed to establish it, including The Mother Church. The fund is administered by The Principle Foundation—a nonprofit that has offered financial support to students of Christian Science for over fifty years.
In January 2014, a number of individuals involved in Christian Science nursing met with the Christian Science Board of Directors in Boston to consider current trends, issues, and challenges regarding this vital activity of Church. They discussed ways to support the sustainability of Christian Science nursing, inviting honest examination of current models and exploring fresh ideas to meet changing demands.
Several initiatives took place as a result of this meeting, including the formation of a donor forum, which became known as the Philanthropy Forum for Christian Science Nursing, in 2016. This forum is a collaborative effort of donors and grant foundations that are exploring ways to increase the accessibility of Christian Science nursing for those relying on Christian Science for healing. The NFCSN is one of the initiatives created by the Philanthropy Forum, which The Principle Foundation will administer. Individuals with a genuine need for financial assistance to pay for their Christian Science nursing can apply to the NFCSN for a grant. The fund can also assist with payment of invoices to Christian Science practitioners who are giving treatment to patients receiving Christian Science nursing care. Information and applications are available online at nfcsn.org or by phone at 1-816-759-5450.
