NSCA Foundation Grants

The NSCA Foundation is committed to promoting inclusivity in the strength and conditioning community by offering a diverse range of grant opportunities. Beyond research grants, our support extends to coaching advancement grants, ensuring that all members of the NSCA community have access to opportunities. Our funding initiatives cover a wide spectrum, catering to military personnel, personal trainers, undergraduates, graduates, and individuals across the career spectrum, from young investigators to senior professionals. If you have a proposal for the NSCA Foundation’s Directed Research Grant, please submit your idea via email to Foundation@nsca.com.

IMPORTANT GRANT APPLICATION UPDATE

New Requirement: Letter of Intent (LOI)
For the upcoming NSCA Foundation grant cycle, all applicants will now need to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) as the first step in the application process. This change is designed to streamline the review process and ensure alignment with funding priorities. Here are the key dates and details:

  • LOI Submission Opens: November 1
  • LOI Submission Deadline: November 30
  • Review Period for LOIs: December 1 – December 16
  • Notification of Selected Applicants: December 23
  • Full Proposal Preparation: December 23 – February 14
  • Full Proposal Submission Deadline: February 15 (11:59 am MTN)

What You Need to Do:

  1. Prepare and Submit Your LOI: Submit your LOI starting November 1 at https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=nsca
  2. Notification: Selected applicants will be notified via the application portal by December 23 of their LOI status.
  3. Prepare/Submit Full Proposal: If selected, applicants will have from December 23 to February 14 to prepare their full prorposal. 
  • Important Dates
    • LOI Submission Opens: November 1
    • LOI Submission Deadline: November 30
    • Review Period for LOIs: December 1 – December 16
    • Notification of Selected Applicants: December 23
    • Full Proposal Preparation: December 23 – February 15 (11:59am MTN)

    There is no early access to start the LOI/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.

  • Grant Application Review Process
    • 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. 

"Having access to such funding was a key component in fostering collaborative research between the academic faculty and intercollegiate athletics."
Dr. Margaret Jones

2016 Senior Investigator Grant Recipient

"I want to encourage student members to pursue funding opportunities to help them move the field of strength and conditioning forward by answering relevant and pertinent questions."
Dr. Martin Dietze-Hermosa

2021 Graduate Research Grant-Doctoral Recipient

Research Grants

  • Graduate Student Research Grant-Masters

    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.

  • Graduate Student Research Grant-Doctoral

    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.  

     

     

  • Young Investigator Research Grant

    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.

     

  • Senior Investigator Research Grant

    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.

     

  • Directed Research Grant

    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. If you have a proposal for the NSCA Foundation’s Directed Research Grant, please submit your idea via email to Foundation@nsca.com.

    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
    2025: From the Lab to the Field: Replicating Research in Practical Settings

    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. 

Coaching Advancement & Equipment Grants

  • Hammer Strength – Life Fitness Equipment Grant

    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

  • DC Blocks Law Enforcement Strength Training Equipment Support Grant

    DC Blocks Law Enforcement Strength Training Equipment Support Grant
    is in honor of the Belleville, Illinois Police Officers who supported Derrick Crass during his return to the Olympics for a 2nd time in 1988.

    The DC Blocks equipment grant hopes to enable Law Enforcement Officers to improve their health and safety on the job through increased strength, power, and defensive tactics training, subsequently protecting and serving their communities more effectively.

    One equipment grant up to $5,000 will be awarded annually for all DC Blocks® products. DC Blocks are changing the way the world trains. All products are sustainable, versatile, virtually indestructible, made in the USA, and have a lifetime warranty.

    Specific Requirements:

    1. Application must be completed
    2. The applicant must be a member of the NSCA and be employed by a Law Enforcement Agency 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 DC Blocks, Inc.

    Items judged by the NSCA Foundation Coaching Advancement Grant & Assistantship Committee for each application include:

    1. Law Enforcement Station information
    2. Funding sources/financials
    3. Current available equipment
    4. Number of Law Enforcement Officers
    5. Community population served by the Law Enforcement Agency
  • Military CSCS Support Grant

    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

  • Dr. Richard Borden Coaching Advancement Grant

    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

  • NSCA-CPT Support Grant

    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.

"The financial support from the National Strength and Conditioning Association Foundation Grants was pivotal in ensuring the success of our studies!"
Dr. Paul Comfort

2016 International Collaboration Grant & 2020 Young Investigator Grant Recipient

Grant Application Instructional Video

Grant Alumni

  • GNC Nutritional Research Grant Recipients
    Year Recipient Title
    2015 Adam Sterczala Effects of dietary forskolin on skeletal muscle cAMP
    2017  Otavio Takeda The effects of lactate supplementation on endurance performance
    2018 Erica Goldstein The Effects of Parenting Style, Eating Attitudes, and Knowledge of Sports Nutrition on the Adolescent Female Athlete

    2019

    Chris Irvine

    The Influence of Whey Protein Preload Prior to Carbohydrate Consumption on Overall Cycling Performance 

    2020

    Jeffrey Rothschild

    Effects of Pre-exercise Nutrition Interventions on Adaptations to Endurance Training

    2022

    Nilophar Zandieh

    Evaluation of Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Skeletal Muscle Strength in Resistance Trained Adult Females 

    2022

    Josh Iannotti

    Safety of Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation in Adolescent Athletes: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

  • Graduate Research Grant - Masters Recipients
    Year Recipient Title
    2015 Liane Jean Comparison of Normal and Single-Foot Elevated Squats in ACL Injured Persons
    2015 Jennifer Talaski Use of Compression Stockings for Recovery From Plyometric Exercise
    2015 Morgan Whitson Effects of Age, Muscle Length, and Test Modality on Lower-Body Strength
    2016 Anthony Anzalone The relationship between peripheral biomarkers and clinical measures in y outh and young adult athletes following a sports related concussion
    2016 Meredith Mock Influence of probiotics on body composition and health in high stress, sleep deprived workers 
    2016 Jeremy Perales Changes in sprint performance between a traditional overgroup (track) vs. training on a high speed motorized treadmill
    2016 Charles Smith Examining the Impact of Beta-Alanine Supplementation on Anaerobic Exercise Performance in Collegiate Rugby Athletes
    2016 John Mata The effect of cluster sets on movement mechanics during the back squat
    2016 Hayden Giuliani The influence of age related obsity increases in intramuscular fat on muscular dimensional changes, strength and function
    2016 Jonathan Miller Effect of childhood obesity on plasma metabolome and muscle quality performance
    2017 Alexis Pihoker Nutrient Timing in Resistance-trained Women: Is there an Optimal Window?
    2017 Luke  Olsen Concurrent Training's Role on Mechanotransducing Properties of Muscle Fiber
    2017 Mary Altepeter The effect of timed protein ingestion on resistance training adaptations
    2017 Partrick Harty Effect of Caffeine Timing on Lower Body Resistance Training Performance
    2018 Michaela Kelsey  Workload evaluation based on position to determine efficient training load for optimal performance in competition for female collegiate soccer players
    2019 Thomas Lillquist The effects of direct and remote Post-Exercise Ischemic Conditioning (PEIC) on recovery 24-hours after a stressful exercise session 
    2019 Emily Tagesen A Comparison of Acute Muscle Damage between the Luteal and Follicular Phases in Resistance Exercise  
    2021 Tanner Reece

    The effects of low-intensity resistance training with blood flow restriction on motor unit hypertrophy of
    the vastus lateralis in untrained males and females

    2022 Joseph D. Vondrasek

    Effects of a brief bout of post-training fan bike intervals on arterial stiffness and recovery markers in advanced resistance trainers

    2022 Patrick Schunk

    Effects of curcumin on skeletal muscle metabolic signaling following acute resistance exercise in women

    2023 McKenzie Hare

    The Influence of Fatigue on Stair Climb Negotiation in Career Firefighters

    2023 Amber Schmitz

    Mechanisms Contributing to Obesity-related Performance Fatigability in Women

  • Graduate Research Grant Recipients - Doctoral Recipients
    Year Recipient Title 
    2015 Christopher Bach Effects of Cold Ambient Temperature on Substrate Metabolism and Performance
    2015 David Cornell Influence of a Corrective Exercise Intervention on Movement in Firefighters
    2015 Shawn Flanagan Corticospinal representation of an injured knee
    2015 Hui Ying Luk Resistance exercise-induced testosterone on satellite cell activity
    2015 John Sellers The Effects of Normobaric Hypoxic Training on Hypobaric Performance
    2015 Tunde Szivak Warfighter Adrenal Response to Extreme Military Stress
    2015 Michael Trevino Effect of Aerobic Training on Motor Unit Behavior of the Vastus Lateralis
    2016 Christopher Thomas The relationship between unilateral muscle strength qualities and 180-degree change of direction performance
    2016 John Harry The effects of anteriorly loaded, posteriorly loaded, and splitloaded weight vest dispersions during maximum effort vertic
    2016 Jacqueline Kiwata The Effect of a Periodized Exercise Intervention on Metabolic Syndrome Variables in Prostate Cancer Survivors on Androg
    2016 Steven Hughes Does statistical parametric mapping (SPM) give greater detail of fatigue than the traditionally used reductionist method?
    2016 Joshua Gann The Effects of Hypohydration on Muscular Strength, Endurance, Power, and Markers of Catabolism in Females
    2016 Danielle Levitt The effect of post-exercise alcohol consumption on resistance exercise-induced mTOR pathway signaling and 24-hour pr
    2016 Raquel Williams Measuring anaerobic performance in female high school athletes
    2017 Ashley  Artese Functional impact training on body composition in breast cancer survivors
    2017 Ethan Hill Effects of Eccentric versus Concentric Blood Flow Restriction Training
    2017 Eric Trexler Performance effects of citrulline malate and beetroot juice supplementation
    2017 Justin  Nicoll Androgen & cortisol receptor phosphorylation following resistance exercise
    2017 Kevin Carroll Mass Spectroscopy For Evaluation of Muscle Adaptation Following Training
    2017 William Dupont The Effects of Resistance Exercise Training on Brain Health and Function
    2018 Elliot Arroyo  The Effects of Three Different Types of Exercise on Immune Function
    2018 Emily Phillips  The effects of resistance training on cognition, mood, motor function, physical strength, body composition, and bone density in adults with Down syndrome.
    2018 James Boyett 

    The effect of resistance exercise on concentrations of intramuscular and circulating sex steroids (testosterone and estradiol), as well as the effect of resistance exercise on the intramuscular protein content of the enzyme responsible for conversion from testosterone to estradiol

    2018 Jordan Fox   Exploring the role of micro-sensor technology in indoor team sports: The validity and reliability of accelerometer-derived speed and distance measures  
    2018 Katie  Hirsch 

    The acute and chronic effects of high-protein consumption and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on measures of metabolic health in men and women.

    2018 Matthew  Beeler  The effects of resistance training load on muscular hypertrophy, strength, and cortical brain activity in resistance-trained men.   
    2018 Thomas Dos'Santos  Biomechanical effects of change of direction technique modification  
    2018 Gena Gerstner  The influence of obesity and stress on muscle fatigability and steadiness in career firefighters 
    2018 Ryan Colquhoun  Do Eccentric Contractions Preferentially Recruit, Damage, and Alter Behavior of High-Threshold Motor Units? 
    2018 Justin Merrigan  Biomechanical, skeletal muscle, and hormonal responses to supra-maximal accentuated eccentric loading with weight releasers  
    2018 Paige Rice   Effect of joint-specific strength and power training on stretch-shortening cycle performance and myofibrillar kinetics  
    2019 Malia Blue  Validity of Body Composition Assessment in Racial and Ethnic Minorities
    2019 Zachary Gillen Muscle Strength Size, and Neuromuscular Function in Pre-pubescent versus Post-pubescent Boys and Girls 
    2019 Joshua Keller  Assessment of neuromuscular, muscle oxygenation, and muscle blood flow responses to RPE-based resistance training in men and women 
    2019 Maria Madueno Using load and sleep measures to reduce injury risk in professional basketball players-taking the first step 
    2019 Jacob Mota HIIT improving neuromuscular function
    2019 Nicholas Ripley A comparison of the effects of eccentric training or sprint training in addition to normal training on hamstring strength and architecture and performance in dynamic tasks: An intervention study  
    2020 Erica Goldstein Relationship Between the Iron Deficient Female Strength and Power Athlete, Diet Preference, and Repeated Sprint Ability
    2020 Nile Banks Effects of flywheel vs traditional resistance training on measures of hypertrophy, strength, and neuromuscular function
    2020 Roberto Nava Uncovering the Molecular Mechanisms Behind Repeated Sprint Training in Hypoxia: The Role of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1
    2020 Spencer Travis Comparing an Exponential Taper to a Step Taper for Maximal Strength Performance
    2020 Eliott Arroyo Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Performance Recovery Following Resistance Exercise
    2021 Felix Proessl The effects of mental imagery on corticomotor plasticity during skeletal muscle disuse
    2021 Brian Guthrie Tissue Specific Load Monitoring in NCAA Division I Collegiate Athletes
    2021 Hayden Guiliani

    Feasibility of Workload Monitoring Within Law Enforcement Officers and its Relationship to Injury Risk
    and Performance

    2021 Jan Padecky Sport-specific and general physical performance assessments of the mixed martial arts population
    2021 Martin Dietze-Hermosa

    Effects of an 8-week resisted sprint training program on ice skating speed, acceleration, and measures of
    athletic performance in male ice hockey players

    2021 Dimitrije Cabarkapa Acute Influence of Resistance Exercise on Basketball Shooting Accuracy and Mechanics
    2022 Rudi A. Marcinak Effect of High-Intensity Training on the Internal Load of Submaximal and Maximal Tasks in Firefighters
    2022 Hannah Cabre Hormonal Contraception Effects on Protein Turnover, Maximal Strength, and Muscle Quality Across the Hormone Cycle
    2022 Jennifer Rivera Effects of Myofasical Release on Athletic Performance and Recovery Following Resistance Exercise
    2022 Pasquale J. Succi Sex- and Intensity-Specific Responses during Cycle Ergometry Anchored to Ratings of Perceived Exertion
    2022 Paulo Henrique Caldeira Mesquita Effects of strength training on adaptations to subsequent endurance training
    2023 Matthew Gonzalez

    The Effect of Body Position on the Within- and Between-Session Reliability of Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull Asymmetry Measures and Its Relationship with Performance

    2023 Liliana Renteria Firefighter Thermoregulatory Responses in Active Fire with Betaine Supplementation
    2023 Paola Rivera The Chronic Effects of Low-Load Blood Flow Restriction and Creatine Supplementation on Strength and Neuromuscular Function
    2023 Sarah Lanham The Effect of On-Duty Endurance Exercise on Neuromuscular Function and Working Memory in Structural Firefighters
    2024 Nicholas Kuhlman The Effects of Collagen Peptide Supplementation on Bone Turnover Markers in Female Distance Runners
    2024 Jennifer Rivera Effects of Cold Water Immersion Timing on Athletic Performance and Recovery
    2024 Gianna Mastrofini The Effects of High-Intensity Functional Training versus Traditional Strength Training or Concurrent Training on Performance and Readiness in Tactical Populations

     

  • Young Investigator Grant Recipients
    Year Recipient Title
    2016 Tania Spiteri Efficacy of perceptual cognitive training to improve agility performance in team sport athletes-the missing link
    2016 Jason DeFreitas Does low intensity exercise performed to fatigue recruit high threshold motor  units? 
    2017 Adam Wells Beta-Alanine & Inflammation During a Simulated Military Operation (SMO)
    2018 Joann Parsons

    Lower body power and strength asymmetries and their predictors in university athletes

    2019 Jacob Earp Quadriceps femoris regional hypertrophy from open and closed chain resistance training  
    2019 Brendan Scott Repeated spring training with blood flow restriction (BFR): a novel approach to improving physical performance?  
    2020 Paul Comfort A Comparison of Traditional versus Micro-dosed Strength Training on Performance Characteristics in Female Collegiate Soccer Players
    2020 Mitchel Magrini Need for Speed: The Effect of a Power-Focused Resistance Training Program on Neuromuscular Function, T-Cell Activation Rates, and Fall Risk in Older Adults.
    2020 Caleb Bazyler The Effects of Tapering on Strength and Power Performance, and Associated Muscular Adaptations in Strength Athletes
    2021 Johannes Raabe

    An exploration of the challenges and coping mechanisms of female NCAA Division I strength and conditioning coaches

    2021 Eric Sobolewski

    Improving Performance on the New Army Combat Fitness Test: Randomized Training design with a follow-up proving

    2022 Hui Ying Luk

    The Effect of Dehydration on Sleep and Anabolism

    2022 Richard Blagrove

    The effect of strength training on muscle morphology and the energetic cost of exercise during prolonged running in trained endurance runners

    2023 Thomas Dos'Santos

    Effects of the Menstrual Cycle Phase on Neuromuscular and Biomechanical Non-Contact Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury Risk Factors in Eumenorrheic Female Athletes

    2023 Katie Hirsch

    Utility and feasibility of urinary hormone analysis for characterization of the female hormonal environment: a pilot and feasibility trial

    2023 Justin Merrigan

    Utilizing a Web-Based Soldier Management System to Deliver Health Education Content and Exercise
    Programs to the Disadvantaged Army National Guard

    2024 Stuart Guppy Performance, perceptual, central, and peripheral fatigue responses to different velocity-loss thresholds during free-weight resistance exercise
    2024 Danielle Levitt Resveratrol-mediated changes in extracellular vesicle microRNA cargo as a novel contributor to resistance training-induced skeletal muscle adaptations in older adults

     

  • Senior Investigator Grant Recipients
    Year Recipient Title
    2015 Andrew Fry Does overtraining affect force via a β2-adrenoceptor-Na+/K+ pump mechanism?
    2016 Margaret Jones Acute Response to cluster resistive exercise in resistance-trained women 
    2017 Sophia Nimphius Improving throwing and pitching velocity in female softball athletes
    2018 James Kinley   Effects of a total-body routine compared to a split routine on maximal strength, cardiovascular hemodynamics, central arterial stiffness and wave reflection.   
    2019 Loren Chiu 3D Gluteal Muscle Function During Human Movement: A Combined Anatomical and Biomechanical Investigation 
    2020 Jay Dawes The Effects of a Structured Strength and Conditioning Program on Movement Competency and Functional Performance among Career Firefighters
    2021 Kristina Kendall

    Priming: Influence of set-configuration on delayed neuromuscular, physical and reaction time performance.

    2024 Adam Wells Are myeloid cell recruitment and adhesion dynamics impaired following acute resistance exercise in older adults?

     

  • Directed Research Grant Recipients
    2020 Emily Martinez The Evaluation of Program Impact through the Implementation of the Young Stars Strength and Conditioning Program in El Paso, Texas
    2020 Robert Lockie The Effects of Structured Strength and Conditioning Programs on Motor Skill, Movement Competency, and Physical Fitness of High School Athletes
    2022 Ashley Herda Influence of β-hydroxy β-methyl butyrate on post-operative muscle mass and function in female athletes
    2023 Alexandra Murray

    Use of progressive, multimodal exercise to optimize hamstrings neuromuscular and functional outcomes after ACL reconstruction

    2024 John Harry Exercise Intensity Benchmarking and Performance Effect Comparison Between Momentum- and Velocity-Based Training Methods in Collegiate Men's and Women's Basketball Players

     

  • Eleiko Equipment Grant Recipients
    2018 North High School (Aurora, Colorado)
    2019

    PURE Youth Athletic Alliance (Memphis, Tennessee)

    2020 Not Awarded
    2021 Not Awarded
    2022 Uncommon Barbell (Brooklyn, New York)

    *Grant no longer being offered as of 2023

Historical Funding Information

  • 2007 Research Grants
    Grant Recipients Amount
    GNC® Nutritional Research Grant 2 $5,000.00
    Graduate Research Grant - Master 2 $5,140.00
    Graduate Research Grant - Doctoral 3 $14,929.00
    Young Investigator Grant 2 $19,689.00
    TOTAL 9 $44,758.00
  • 2008 Research Grants
    Grant  Recipients Amount
    GNC® Nutritional Research Grant 1 $0.00
    Graduate Research Grant - Master 4 $9,235.12
    Graduate Research Grant - Doctoral 5 $23,988.88
    Young Investigator Grant 1 $8,240.00
    TOTAL 11 $41,464.00
  • 2009 Research Grants
    Grant Recipients Amount
    GNC® Nutritional Research Grant 1 $2,424.00
    Graduate Research Grant - Master 2 $5,258.80
    Graduate Research Grant - Doctoral 3 $24,795.00
    Young Investigator Grant 2 $30,000.00
    TOTAL 8 $62,477.80
  • 2010 Research Grants
    Grant Recipients Amount
    GNC® Nutritional Research Grant 0 $0.00
    Graduate Research Grant - Master 2 $8,825.00
    Graduate Research Grant - Doctoral 2 $19,575.00
    Young Investigator Grant 3 $44,950.00
    TOTAL 7 $73,350.00
  • 2011 Research Grants
    Grant Recipients Amount
    GNC® Nutritional Research Grant 1 $2,498.52
    Graduate Research Grant - Master 1 $4,391.78
    Graduate Research Grant - Doctoral 3 $27,690.00
    Senior Investigator Grant 1 $45,600.00
    Young Investigator Grant 2 $30,000.00
    International Collaboration Grant 1 $46,385.50
    TOTAL 9 $156,565.80
  • 2012 Research Grants
    Grant Recipients Amount
    GNC® Nutritional Research Grant 1 $2,499.00
    Graduate Research Grant - Master 2 $9,889.00
    Graduate Research Grant - Doctoral 3 $29,364.00
    Senior Investigator Grant 1 $24,780.00
    International Collaboration Grant 0 $0.00
    Young Investigator Grant 1 $15,000.00
    TOTAL 8 $81,532.00
  • 2013 Research Grants
    Grant Recipients Amount
    GNC® Nutritional Research Grant 2 $4,621.00
    Graduate Research Grant - Master 3 $15,000.00
    Graduate Research Grant - Doctoral 4 $38,960.00
    Senior Investigator Grant 0 $0.00
    International Collaboration Grant 1 $42,500.00
    Young Investigator Grant 2 $24,958.00
    TOTAL 12 $126,039.00
  • 2014 Research Grants
    Grant Recipients Amount
    GNC® Nutritional Research Grant 0 $0.00
    Graduate Research Grant - Master 3 $21,514.00
    Graduate Research Grant - Doctoral 2 $22,720.00
    Senior Investigator Grant 1 $35,996.00
    International Collaboration Grant 1 $46,950.00
    Young Investigator Grant 2 $43,991.00
    TOTAL 9 $171,171.00
  • 2015 Research Grants
    Grant Recipients Amount
    GNC® Nutritional Research Grant 1 $2,500.00
    Graduate Research Grant - Master 3 $13,814.00
    Graduate Research Grant - Doctoral 7 $98,544.87
    Senior Investigator Grant 1 $27,360.00
    International Collaboration Grant 1 $50,000.00
    Young Investigator Grant 0 $0.00
    TOTAL 13 $192,218.87
  • 2016 Research Grants
    Grant Recipients Amount
    GNC® Nutritional Research Grant 0 $0.00
    Graduate Research Grant - Master 7 $47,042.00
    Graduate Research Grant - Doctoral 7 $59,975.00
    Senior Investigator Grant 1 $35,622.00
    International Collaboration Grant 2 $76,122.00
    Young Investigator Grant 2 $31,054.00
    TOTAL 19 $249,815.00
  • 2017 Research Grants
    Grant Recipients Amount
    GNC® Nutritional Research Grant 1 $2,481.00
    Graduate Research Grant - Master 4 $22,527.00
    Graduate Research Grant - Doctoral 7 $88,354.60
    Senior Investigator Grant 1 $34,370.60
    International Collaboration Grant 1 $32,214.00
    Young Investigator Grant 1 $23,990.28
    TOTAL 15 $203,937.48
  • 2018 Research & Coaching Advancement Grants
    Research Grants Recipients Number applied  Amount
    GNC® Nutritional Research Grant 1 6 $2,450.00
    Graduate Research Grant - Master 1 13 $7,500.00
    Graduate Research Grant - Doctoral 11 35 $136,474.25
    Senior Investigator Grant 1 5 $30,000.00
    International Collaboration Grant 1 9 $50,000.00
    Young Investigator Grant 1 21 $12,421.07
    TOTAL 16 89 $238,845.32

     

    Coaching Advancement Grants Recipient Award
    Eleiko Equipment Grant North High School (Aurora, Colorado) $15,000 in Eleiko Equipment
    Coaching Advancement Grant Nicholas Cuthrell CSCS Exam Fee & USAW L2 Course 

     

  • 2019 Research & Coaching Advancement Grants
    Grant  Recipients Number applied  Amount
    GNC® Nutritional Research Grant 1 2 $2,500.00
    Graduate Research Grant - Master 2 15 $9,590.00
    Graduate Research Grant - Doctoral 6 27 $88,698.00
    Young Investigator Grant 2 29 $50,161.00
    Senior Investigator Grant 1 2 $36,000.00
    International Collaboration Grant 1 5 $49,060.00
    TOTAL 13 80 $236,009.00

     

    Coaching Advancement Grants Recipient Award
    Eleiko Equipment Grant PURE Youth Athletic Alliance (Memphis, Tennessee) $15,000 in Eleiko Equipment
    Coaching Advancement Grant Kelli Keener CSCS Exam Fee & USAW L2 Course 
    Military CSCS Support Grant Steven Pineheiro, US Army CSCS Exam

     

  • 2020 Research & Coaching Advancement Grants
    Grant Recipients Number applied  Amount
    GNC® Nutritional Research Grant 1 5 $8,585.82
    Graduate Research Grant  5 49 $61,990.46
    Directed Research Grant 2 9 $44,071.00
    Senior Investigator Grant 1 6 $16,697.00
    Young Investigator Grant 3 25 $62,044.44
    TOTAL 12 94 $193,388.72

     

    Coaching Advancement Grants Recipient Award
    Eleiko Equipment Grant Not Awarded $15,000 in Eleiko Equipment
    Coaching Advancement Grant Kyle DeRosia CSCS Exam Fee & USAW L2 Course 
    Military CSCS Support Grant Christopher Taylor, US Marines CSCS Exam
  • 2021 Research & Coaching Advancement Grants
    Grant Recipients Number applied  Amount
    GNC® Nutritional Research Grant 0 0 $0.00
    Directed Research Grant 0 0 $0.00
    Senior Investigator Grant 2 6 $55,961.61
    Young Investigator Grant 2 25 $27,939.60
    Graduate Research Grant - Master 1 8 $15,000.00
    Graduate Research Grant - Doctoral 6 32 $72,837.12
    TOTAL 11 71 $171,738.33

     

    Coaching Advancement Grants Recipient Award
    Eleiko Equipment Grant Not Awarded $15,000 in Eleiko Equipment
    Coaching Advancement Grant David Lee CSCS Exam Fee & USAW L2 Course 
    Military CSCS Support Grant Jami Naber, US Air Force CSCS Exam
    CPT Support Grant Nadia Goldstar CPT Exam Fee, Membership, Text book, and TOA Courses
  • 2022 Research & Coaching Advancement Grants

     

    Grant

    Recipients Number applied  Amount
    GNC® Nutritional Research Grant 2 12 $17,470.00
    Directed Research Grant 1 20 $24,025.48
    Senior Investigator Grant 0 6 $0.00
    Young Investigator Grant 2 34 $47,727.90
    Graduate Research Grant - Master 2 4 $15,000.00
    Graduate Research Grant - Doctoral 5 36 $74,577.17
    TOTAL 12 112 $178,800.55

     

    Coaching Advancement Grants Recipient Award
    Eleiko Equipment Grant UnCommon Barbell (Brooklyn, NY) $15,000 in Eleiko Equipment
    Coaching Advancement Grant Bernadette Forbush  CSCS Exam Fee & USAW L2 Course 
    Military CSCS Support Grant Aaron May, US Air Force CSCS Exam & Exam Prep Course
    CPT Support Grant Guadalupe Noriega CPT Exam Fee, Membership, Text book, and TOA Courses
    Hammer Strength Equipment Grant Jones College (Ellisville, MS) $10,000 of Hammer Strength Equipment 

     

  • 2023 Research & Coaching Advancement Grants
    Grant Recipients Number applied  Amount
    GNC® Nutritional Research Grant 0 0 $0.00
    Directed Research Grant 1 34 $24,025.48
    Senior Investigator Grant 0 8 $0.00
    Young Investigator Grant 3 23 $47,727.90
    Graduate Research Grant - Master 1 6 $15,000.00
    Graduate Research Grant - Doctoral 5 32 $74,577.17
    TOTAL 10 103 $161,330.55

     

    Coaching Advancement Grants Recipient Award
    Coaching Advancement Grant Aaron Kilfoyle CSCS Exam Fee & USAW L2 Course 
    Military CSCS Support Grant Jacie Harlow CSCS Exam & Exam Prep Course
    CPT Support Grant Abderraouf Abla CPT Exam Fee, Membership, Text book, and TOA Courses
    Hammer Strength Equipment Grant

    Abington Heights High School (Clark's Summit, PA)

    $15,000 of Hammer Strength Equipment 

     

MAKE A LASTING IMACT

The NSCA Foundation owes its existence to the incredible generosity of the NSCA community. Although our commitment is to assist as many applicants as possible, each year the list of exceptional candidates continues to grow, and we cannot fund them all.

Today, we invite you to be a part of shaping the future of strength and conditioning by contributing your financial support, driven by your passion. Every donation, regardless of its size, directly fuels the Foundation's programs, with no overhead costs. Those wishing to make a donation of $200 or more will become esteemed members of our Partners of Excellence Program.

Your donations are the driving force behind our initiatives, whether it's helping to cover educational expenses through our Scholarship program or advancing the profession and supporting research grants for the next generation of strength and conditioning professionals. Your support is invaluable.

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