Applications open November 1 (11:59 am MTN) and close February 15 (11:59 am MTN) annually. There is no early access to start the application process, you must wait until November 1 at 11:59 am MTN. Late materials are not accepted. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure they complete the application on time. No paper copies or documents will be accepted, all materials must be submitted and completed via the application portal. 

-Applications close February 15 (11:59 am MTN)
-Applications assigned to Grant Reviewers by Grant Committee (~1-2 weeks)
-Applications reviewed by Grant Reviewers (~3-5 weeks)
-Applications move forward to Grant Panel for final review (~2-4 weeks)
-Final applicants move forward to NSCA Foundation Board for review/approval at the annual Spring meeting
-Applicants notified of award status

*Please note that Award distribution is subject to change based on funding availability. 

This grant program funds Graduate research in strength and conditioning that is consistent with the mission of the NSCA. Graduate Research Grants are awarded at the Master’s level and require that a Graduate faculty member serves as a Faculty Mentor. Master’s Student Research Grant proposals are not to exceed $7,500 USD (indirect costs, travel, and salary are not supported). Eligible candidates must be actively pursuing their Master's degree at the time of application. Applicants for Student Investigator research grants must have graduate student status during the term of the grant to be considered for funding. At the time of the application deadline, Student  Investigator applicants must be a member of the NSCA. All designated Faculty Mentors must have maintained continuous NSCA membership for at least one year prior to the grant application deadline as verified by the NSCA office. Project timelines are for a maximum of 18 months, with the possibility of a 6-month extension following approval from the NSCA Foundation’s Grant Committee.

Research Grant applications will require the following documentation for submission: Cover Letter, Proposal Structure (Rationale, Specific Aims, Experimental Design, and Methodology, Reference List), Itemized Budget, Budget Justification, and currently available resources. *Salaries may not be included in your proposal. This includes outsourcing technical support (nurses, techs, Coaches, trainers, etc.) A proposal may not be submitted to multiple categories. Your proposal will only be considered for the category it was submitted.

Your status as a student when applying must be the same as the status at the time of the award. 

Specific Requirements: 

1. Completed Application.

2. Graduate Student Investigator applicants must be full-time students and members of the NSCA at the time of the application and award. Student  Investigator applicants must be pursuing a Master's or Doctoral degree related to the field of strength and conditioning.

3. A full-time university faculty member with graduate faculty status must serve as a Faculty Mentor on the project. This individual must have concurrent NSCA membership for one year prior to the date of application submission and at the time of the award. Faculty Mentors are expected to take responsibility and be accountable for successful project completion while fostering a positive learning environment for the student applicant.

4. The purpose and scope of the project must fall within the mission of the NSCA and have relevance to the field of strength and conditioning. 

5. The Student Investigator (applicant) has not won this award twice previously. 

6. The applicant is not a current member of the NSCA Foundation Board of Directors, Grant Committee, Grant Panel, NSCA Board of Directors, NSCA/NSCA affiliate employee or employee's family member.

Awarded funds are not paid directly to the recipient; they are released to the academic institution or organization. 

Proposed studies must be performed at the applicant's academic institution where the IRB was or will be acquired. If the applicant needs to utilize equipment or a lab off-site justification must be made. All requests are subject to approval by the NSCA Foundation Grant Committee.

*You must be a MEMBER to apply. Being certified does not make you a member. If you do not know if you have a membership, contact membership@nsca.com. 

*A proposal may not be submitted to multiple categories. Your proposal will only be considered for the category it was submitted.

This grant program funds Graduate research in strength and conditioning that is consistent with the mission of the NSCA. Graduate Research Grants are awarded at the Doctoral level and require that a Graduate faculty member serve as Faculty Mentor. Doctoral Student Research Grant proposals are not to exceed $15,000 USD (indirect costs, travel, and salary are not supported). Eligible candidates must be actively pursuing their Doctoral degree at the time of application, which may include ABD status. At the time of the application deadline, Student Investigators must be a member of the NSCA. All designated Faculty Mentors must have maintained continuous NSCA membership for at least one year prior to the grant application deadline as verified by the NSCA office. Project timelines are for a maximum of 18 months, with the possibility of a 6-month extension following approval from the NSCA Foundation’s Board of Directors.

Research Grant applications will require the following documentation for submission: Cover Letter, Proposal Structure (Rationale, Specific Aims, Experimental Design, and Methodology, Reference List), Itemized Budget, Budget Justification, and currently available resources. *Salaries may not be included in your proposal. This includes outsourcing technical support (nurses, techs, Coaches, trainers, etc.) A proposal may not be submitted to multiple categories. Your proposal will only be considered for the category it was submitted.

Specific Requirements: 

1. Completed Application.

2. Student Investigators must be full-time students and members of the NSCA at the time of the application and award. Student Investigators must be pursuing a Doctoral degree related to the field of strength and conditioning.

3. A full-time university faculty member with graduate faculty status must serve as a Faculty Mentor on the project. This individual must have concurrent NSCA membership for one year prior to the date of application submission and at the time of the award. Faculty Mentors are expected to take responsibility and be accountable for successful project completion while fostering a positive learning environment for the student applicant.

4. The purpose and scope of the project must fall within the mission of the NSCA and have relevance to the field of strength and conditioning. 

5. Student Investigator applicants are ineligible to apply if they have won this  award twice previously. 

6. Student Investigator is not a current member of the NSCA Foundation Board of Directors, Grant Committee, Grant Panel, NSCA Board of Directors, NSCA/NSCA affiliate employee or employee's family member.

Awarded funds are not paid directly to the recipient; they are released to the academic institution or organization. 

Proposed studies must be performed at the applicant's academic institution where the IRB was or will be acquired. If the applicant needs to utilize equipment or a lab off-site justification must be made. All requests are subject to approval by the NSCA Foundation Grant Committee.

*You must be a MEMBER to apply. Being certified does not make you a member. If you do not know if you have a membership, contact membership@nsca.com. 

*A proposal may not be submitted to multiple categories. Your proposal will only be considered for the category it was submitted.  

This grant program funds individuals employed by nonprofit research organizations (higher education institutions, research institutes, hospitals, or other recognized independent research organizations) who are within seven (7) years from the conferral of their Doctorate degree (Ph.D., MD degree, or equivalent). The purpose and specific aims of the research project must be consistent with the mission of the NSCA. Applicants must have been a continuous NSCA Member at least one year prior to the application deadline as verified by the NSCA office. The maximum award is $20,000 plus indirect costs at a rate of up to 20% (travel and salary are not supported).  Example: The grant is up to $20,000 USD plus indirect costs ($20K + $4K=$24K). Indirect costs must be accounted for in the requested funding amount and budget justification within the application.

Research Grant applications will require the following documentation for submission: Cover Letter, Proposal Structure (Rationale, Specific Aims, Experimental Design, and Methodology, Reference List), Itemized Budget, Budget Justification, and currently available resources. *Salaries may not be included in your proposal. This includes outsourcing technical support (nurses, techs, Coaches, trainers, etc.) A proposal may not be submitted to multiple categories. Your proposal will only be considered for the category it was submitted.

The Young Investigator Grant timeline can be up to 24 months, with the possibility of a 6-month extension with NSCA Foundation Board approval.

Specific Requirements:

1. Completed Application.

2. Principal Investigator (applicant) must have concurrent NSCA membership for one year prior to the date of application submission and be a member at the time of the award. *You must be a MEMBER to apply. Being certified does not make you a member. If you do not know if you have a membership, contact membership@nsca.com. 

a. Principal Investigator (applicant) is within 7 years (2,554 days/6 years 364 days) from receiving their Doctoral degree.

3. The purpose and scope of the research project must fall within the mission of the NSCA.

4. Principal Investigator (applicant) has not won this award twice previously.

5. The Principal Investigator (applicant) is not a current member of the NSCA Foundation Board of Directors, Grant Committee, Grant Panel, NSCA Board of Directors, NSCA/NSCA affiliate employee or employee's family member.

Awarded funds are not paid directly to the recipient; they are released to the academic institution or organization.

Proposed studies must be performed at the applicant's academic institution where the IRB was or will be acquired. If the applicant needs to utilize equipment or a lab off-site justification must be made. All requests are subject to approval by the NSCA Foundation Grant Committee.

New in 2021-Undergraduate and Graduate Level student salaries may be included in your proposal with proper justification of salary amount and need for support. 

*You must be a MEMBER to apply. Being certified does not make you a member. If you do not know if you have a membership, contact membership@nsca.com. 

*A proposal may not be submitted to multiple categories. Your proposal will only be considered for the category it was submitted.

This grant program funds individuals employed full-time by nonprofit research organizations (higher education institutions, research institutes, hospitals, or other recognized independent research organizations) who are more than (7) years from the conferral of their doctorate degree (Ph.D., MD degree, or equivalent). The purpose and specific aims of the research project must be consistent with the mission of the NSCA. General eligibility requirements state that all applicants to this program must have maintained continuous NSCA Membership for a period of no less than five years prior to the application deadline. The maximum award is $30,000 USD plus indirect costs at a rate of up to 20% (travel and salary are not supported). Example: The grant is up to $30,000 USD plus indirect costs ($30K + $6K=$36K). Indirect costs must be accounted for in the requested funding amount and budget justification within the application.

Research Grant applications will require the following documentation for submission: Cover Letter, Proposal Structure (Rationale, Specific Aims, Experimental Design, and Methodology, Reference List), Itemized Budget, Budget Justification, and currently available resources. *Salaries may not be included in your proposal. This includes outsourcing technical support (nurses, techs, Coaches, trainers, etc.) A proposal may not be submitted to multiple categories. Your proposal will only be considered for the category it was submitted.

The Senior Investigator Grant timeline can be up to 24 months, with the possibility of a 6-month extension with NSCA Foundation Board approval.

Specific Requirements:

1. Completed Application.

2. Principal Investigator (applicant) must have concurrent NSCA membership for five years prior to the date of application submission and be a member at the time of the award.*You must be a MEMBER to apply. Being certified does not make you a member. If you do not know if you have a membership, contact membership@nsca.com. 

a. Principal Investigator (applicant) is more than 7 years (2,555 days/7 years) from receiving their doctorate degree.

3. Purpose and scope must fall within the mission of the NSCA.

4. The Principal Investigator (applicant) has not won this award twice previously.

5. The Principal Investigator (applicant) is not a current member of the NSCA Foundation Board of Directors, Grant Committee, Grant Panel, NSCA Board of Directors, NSCA/NSCA affiliate employee or employee's family member.

Awarded funds are not paid directly to the recipient; they are released to the academic institution or organization.

Proposed studies must be performed at the applicant's academic institution where the IRB was or will be acquired. If the applicant needs to utilize equipment or a lab off site justification must be made. All requests are subject to approval by the NSCA Foundation Grant Committee.

New in 2021-Undergraduate and Graduate Level student salaries may be included in your proposal with proper justification of salary amount and need for support. 

*You must be a MEMBER to apply. Being certified does not make you a member. If you do not know if you have a membership, contact membership@nsca.com. 

*A proposal may not be submitted to multiple categories. Your proposal will only be considered for the category it was submitted.

Up to two grants, no more than $25,000 USD each, may be awarded annually (no indirect costs). Unique to this initiative, the Foundation will allow investigators to budget for student salary support, project-related travel, travel to the NSCA National Conference, and open-access publication fees.

Awardees of these grants will be expected to showcase their findings at the NSCA National Conference at a time specifically reserved for NSCA Foundation presentations. This expense must be budgeted for in the proposal. Both faculty members and graduate students may apply for the NSCA Foundation Directed Research Grant, but student projects must involve mentorship from a full-time faculty member with graduate faculty status.

Research Grant applications will require the following documentation for submission: Cover Letter, Proposal Structure (Rationale, Specific Aims, Experimental Design, and Methodology, Reference List), Itemized Budget, Budget Justification, and currently available resources. A proposal may not be submitted to multiple categories. Your proposal will only be considered for the category it was submitted.

The Directed Research Grant timeline can be up to 24 months, with the possibility of a 6-month extension with NSCA Foundation Grant Committee approval.

The NSCA Board of Directors will determine the directed research topic annually.

Topics
2020: The Impact of Strength and Conditioning Coaches or programs in a high school setting
2021: This Grant will not be funded for the 2021 Grant Cycle
2022: The Female Athlete
2023: Sport Science 
2024: Performance Evaluation and Benchmarking

Specific Requirements are listed below:

1. Completed Application.
2. The research topic must be related to the Directed Research topic.
3. Purpose and scope must fall within the mission of the NSCA.
4. Student Investigators must be full-time status.
5. All applicants must be members of the NSCA at the time of the application and Award.
6. Student Investigators must have a Faculty Mentor who is a full-time faculty member with graduate faculty status for their project.
7. Additional project co-investigators do not have to be members of the NSCA.
8. Applicant has not won this award twice previously.
9. Is not a current member of the NSCA Foundation Board of Directors, Grant Review Committee, NSCA Board of Directors, NSCA/NSCA Affiliate employee, or employee's family member.

Awarded funds are not paid directly to the recipient; they are released to the academic institution or organization. 

*You must be a MEMBER to apply. Being certified does not make you a member. If you do not know if you have a membership, contact membership@nsca.com. 

Proposed studies must be performed at the applicant's academic institution where the IRB was or will be acquired. If the applicant needs to utilize equipment or a lab off-site, justification must be made. All requests are subject to approval by the NSCA Foundation Grant Committee.

*A proposal may not be submitted to multiple categories. Your proposal will only be considered for the category it was submitted. 

Hammer Strength, part of the Life Fitness Family of Brands, is a leading manufacturer of performance strength training equipment designed to withstand the most intense workouts. Built to a higher standard, Hammer Strength equipment is tested to exceed industry standards to offer the tools needed to build champions. The Hammer Strength portfolio includes heavy-duty racks and rigs, benches, selectorized equipment, and a wide variety of accessories for endless training possibilities.

The Hammer Strength – Life Fitness Equipment Grant enables High School's to improve and enhance the overall opportunity to train their student-athletes. Up to one equipment grant up to $15,000 will be awarded annually (Option 1: 3-HD Athletic Half racks, 3-HD Athletic Benches or Option 2: 2-HD Athletic Half Racks, 2-HD Athletic Benches, Hammer Round Rubber Plates-12-45lb, 4-25lb, 4-10lb, 4-5lb, 4-2.5lb, 2- Hammer Olympic Bars). 

Specific Requirements:

1. Application must be completed
2. The applicant must be a member of the NSCA and employed by a High School in the United States
3. The applicant has not won this award previously
4. The applicant is not a current member of the NSCA Foundation Board of Directors, Grant Committee, NSCA Board of Directors, NSCA/NSCA Affiliate employee or employee's family member, or an employee or family member of Hammer Strength Life Fitness.

Items judged by the NSCA Foundation Review Committee for each application include:

1. Program Type
2. Program History
3. Coaches Information/Qualifications
4. Facility Information
5. Funding Sources/Financials
6. Current available Equipment
7. Number of athletes/teams served

The Military CSCS Support Grant is designated for current or retired Military members and Veterans (ABCANZ Military group or NATO) to take an NSCA Exam Prep and sit for a CSCS exam.

The exam prep course and the CSCS test must be completed within 1 year from the time of award notification.

Items judged by the NSCA Foundation Grant Review Committee for each application include:
1. Completed Application
2. Any NSCA Certifications ((NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer® (NSCA-CPT®), Certified Special Population Specialist® (CSPS®), or Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator® (TSAC-F®))
3. Related Strength & Conditioning Experience (Education, Employment, Internships)
4. Letters of Recommendation
5. Essay Responses

The NSCA Foundation and USA Weightlifting, have partnered together and established the Dr. Richard Borden Coaching Advancement Grant. Dr. Richard Borden was one of the longest-serving NSCA Board members in the NSCA history. Dr. Borden was a USA Weightlifting International Coach, the highest recognized level of Coaching achievement by USA Weightlifting and a Category 1 International Referee, the highest level of Referee under the International Weightlifting Federation.

The grant will be available to current NSCA Members who are NOT yet certified or have previously been certified by the NSCA in any form and those who are currently USA Weightlifting Level 1 Coaches looking to advance their education. The grant will cover the recipient to take their Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®), NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer® (NSCA-CPT®), Certified Special Population Specialist® (CSPS®), Certified Performance and Sport Scientist® (CPSS®) or Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator® (TSAC-F®) (1 certification only), and a USA Weightlifting Level 2 Course. The grant does not cover exam retesting fees if you have previously failed an exam, or if you obtain the grant and fail the exam. The Board of Directors, Grant Review Committee, NSCA/NSCA Affiliate, and NSCAF employees and their families are not eligible to receive this grant.

Items judged by the NSCA Foundation Grant Review Committee for each application include: 
1. Program Type 
2. Program History
3. Coaches Information/Qualifications
4. Facility Information
5. Program Funding Sources/Financials

Requirements:
1. All applicants must be NSCA & USA weightlifting members at the time of application and award  
2. A current USA Weightlifting Level 1 Coach (in good standing) at the application deadline

The NSCA-CPT Support Grant will be given to up and coming fitness professionals with the goal of joining the personal training fitness industry. The Grant will allocate funding to 1 recipient annually for the following items (total value of $1,400):

· NSCA-CPT Certification
· NSCA Essentials of Personal Training, 2ed
· NSCA Professional Membership or Student Membership (If the applicant is already a member this does not serve as a renewal fee, it is for first time members only.)
· Training the Older Adult Certification (3.8 NSCA CEU Approved)

1. Training the Older Adult (TOA) Course-(10 Week Online Education Course Geared Toward Training Older Adults) valued at $599 Value (2.0 CEU)
2. TOA Through the Trainer's Eyes Anatomy Course (two-week Online anatomy course designed for personal trainers) valued at $99 Value (.6 CEU)
3. TOA Physical Limitations Webinar Series (eight-week Online education course geared toward training clients with injuries) valued at $175 Value (1.2 CEU)

Specific Requirements:

1. Applicant must not currently have a CPT
2. Complete the application in its entirety (Essays/CPR/etc.)
3. Is not a current member of the NSCA Foundation Board of Directors, Grant Review Committee, NSCA Board of Directors, NSCA/NSCA Affiliate employee or employee's family member or Training the Older Adult employee or family member.