This article chronicles the John A. Hartford Foundation (JAHF) funded gerontological nursing initiatives 1996-present. These initiatives, in particular BAGNC, were designed to impact the health of older adults through building gerontological nursing capacity by preparing new and retooling current faculty with expert gerontological nursing competencies, preparing new researchers, developing a knowledgeable nurse workforce with competency in gerontological nursing and prepare leaders in academics and health care systems. A description of major programs funded by the Foundation is presented and the impact, adaptation, and change in gerontological nursing resulting from over $86 million in funding awarded to these efforts is examined and intended to inform our way forward. NHCGNE, Legacy Affiliates and partners named in this article continue to innovate and transform healthcare systems as a way forward.