Advancing Stuttering Research in Community, Advocacy, Support, and Education

 

While our understanding of stuttering has evolved, many critical questions remain unanswered. More than 3 million people in the United States live with stuttering, yet funding for research in this field remains scarce. The NSA is committed to changing that.

 

The NSA CASE Research Grant is a $15,000 funding opportunity supporting research that contributes to our knowledge of stuttering in the areas of Community, Advocacy, Support, and Education (CASE)—all central to the NSA’s mission of empowering and supporting people who stutter and their families.

 

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for the NSA CASE Research Grant, proposals must meet the following criteria:

• Research Focus: The project must focus on stuttering-related research. Proposals for activities outside of research (e.g., program evaluations, professional development, curriculum development, scholarships, or capital projects) will not be considered.

• Principal Investigator (PI) Requirements:

  • The PI and any Co-PIs must hold a doctorate in an academic discipline or professional field or have appropriate experience in a research-related profession.

  • Graduate students may be part of the research team but cannot serve as the PI or Co-PI.

• Institutional Affiliation: The PI must be affiliated with a non-profit organization or public/government institution that will serve as the administering organization. The NSA does not award grants to individuals.

  • Eligible organizations include colleges, universities, school districts, research institutions, and other 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations.

• U.S.-Based Research: The research institution must be based in the United States.

• IRB Approval: The PI must submit proof of Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval to the NSA Research Committee within 45 days of receiving the award notification.

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Award Details & Restrictions

• Funding Amount: Up to $15,000

• No Indirect Costs: Institutional overhead charges are not permitted.

• Project Duration: Research must be completed within two years.

• One Active Grant Per PI: PIs and Co-PIs may hold only one active NSA research grant at a time. However, the administering institution may submit multiple proposals for different projects.

• New Research Only: This award cannot be used to supplement or extend an existing study that is already receiving external funding.

 

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be reviewed based on the following factors:

• Significance – Contribution to the field of stuttering research.

• Innovation – Novelty and potential impact of the study.

• Alignment with NSA Mission – Relevance to Community, Advocacy, Support, and Education (CASE).

• Research Approach – Soundness of methodology and study design.

• Investigator Merit – Strength of the research team (priority will be given to new investigators).

• Feasibility & Research Environment – Institutional resources and likelihood of project success.

• Quality of Proposal – Clarity, completeness, and justification of the study.

• Budget Justification – Transparent and appropriate allocation of funds.

 

Key Dates

Opportunity posting: May 1, 2025
Application deadline: July 15, 2025 5:00 PM/ET
Award announcement: Mid September 2025