Apply for funding

NOCSAE’s mission is to commission research in sports medicine and science and, where feasible, establish standards for athletic equipment.

Accordingly, the intent of the NOCSAE grant programs is to commission investigator-initiated research and to provide support for education, health, and safety research and development. The NOCSAE research plan proposed by the applicant must be related to NOCSAE’s stated program interests.

Two programs:

  • Small Grant –  Pilot developmental studies that do not exceed $50,000 in direct costs for one year.
  • Large Grant – Traditional research projects that do not exceed $250,000 in direct costs over two years.

    Specific Areas of Research Interest

    NOCSAE invites all investigator-initiated proposals that address NOCSAE’S core mission.

    Specific research topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

    • Studies that inform existing helmet safety standards.
    • The mechanical and biological mechanisms of injury and recovery.
    • The application of developed tools and equipment for injury prevention.
    • Studies related to the development of new equipment safety standards.
    • Studies related to sport safety.

    Eligible Applicants

    NOCSAE awards grants to organizations of all types (universities, colleges, small businesses, for profit, etc.) within North America. Our grant mechanisms allow an investigator to define the scientific focus or objective of the research based on a particular area of interest and competence.

    General Information

    • Read all information on this website related to applying for research.
    • Strict compliance with all grant proposal instructions is required, or the proposal won’t be considered.
    • Projects funded by NOCSAE typically address 1-2 well developed and specific aims.
    • Proposals related specifically to product development are not appropriate and will not be accepted.
    • Projects analyzing athletic performance are also not appropriate.

     

    2024 Application Procedures and Deadlines

     

    Large-Grant Program

    This program requires a two-phase process consisting of an initial letter of intent followed by submission of a full project application. The research director will review all letters of intent and the NOCSAE board of directors will vote on which letters to move forward for a full application submission.

    • The Letter of Intent is due June 30th.
    • Full application submissions are due October 31st.

    Large-Grant application forms:

    Instructions
    Letter of Intent
    Application Cover Sheet
    2-Year Budget Template

    Small-Grant Program

    This program is for smaller single-year projects with a maximum budget of $50,000.

    Applications are due October 31st.

    Small-Grant application forms:

    Instructions
    Application Cover Sheet
    1-Year Budget Template

    Submit the forms for either program by email to Research Director Kim D. Barber Foss, PhD ATC; Research@nocsae.org. The final decision for funding is made by the NOCSAE board of directors annually at winter board meetings.