The NCAA Innovations in Research and Practice Grant Program supports research and data-driven pilot projects designed to enhance student-athlete psychosocial well-being and mental health. Research topics may include, but are not limited to, managing transitions (e.g., from recruit to first-year student; transferring between universities; adapting from youth sports to college sports environment; developing independence from parents), identity development, stress management, substance use, bystander intervention, cultivating healthy relationships, career exploration and sport exit strategies. Funded projects must demonstrate potential to result in campus-level programming that can positively impact the well-being of NCAA student-athletes at a range of member institutions.
There is a two-step application process. Preliminary proposals, one-page in length, are to be submitted by January 12, 2024. After review by an independent panel, a maximum of 15 project teams will be asked to submit a full proposal by March 8, 2024. Grantees will be announced by April 17, 2024.
Interdisciplinary proposals bringing together athletics department administrators, coaches, student affairs practitioners and faculty are strongly encouraged. Project directors must be employed at NCAA institutions. Project team members will be responsible for coordinating review of their work with the Institutional Review Board on their own campus, if applicable.
Applicants may request up to $30,000 in funding, although grants may be funded at levels lower than the requested amount.
