All grant applicants first receive independent reviews using a blind review process. In other words, these reviewers receive no identifying information. Each of the reviewers is qualified in terms of their area of expertise, their experience with nursing research and as a reviewer. A review form listing each criterion along with a Proposal Review Rubric is provided to these reviewers. 

The results of the blind review along with the full proposal with identifying information are then evaluated by the members of the NLN Reasearch Review Panel for final funding decisions. After reviewing all grant applications submitted that year this Committee will make the final funding recommendation.