NIRSA Research Grant Program

Let NIRSA help you conduct important research

Grant proposals are now being accepted.

The deadline to submit a proposal is Monday, July 15, 2024.

Research grants support original, scholarly research that advance the knowledge base and practices within the field of collegiate recreation.

Proposals for NIRSA’s grant program are accepted between June and July, and are awarded in September. Grant award amounts, up to $32,000 per year in total, are based on the needs of individual projects.

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The NIRSA Foundation proudly supports the NIRSA Research Grant Program.

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Eligibility & Procedures

Grant Eligibility

All funded research projects must be conducted either at or for NIRSA member institutions. Applications from students must be supported by faculty or staff sponsors who have agreed to oversee the proposed research. Applicants do not need to be NIRSA members. Projects focusing on student health & wellbeing and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion will be given special consideration. Proposals should focus on the priorities identified in the NIRSA Research Agenda and NIRSA Strategic Framework.

All funded research projects must be conducted either at or for NIRSA member institutions. Applications from students must be supported by faculty or staff sponsors who have agreed to oversee the proposed research. Applicants do not need to be NIRSA members. Collaborative, multi-institutional projects and those involving historically underrepresented groups will be given special consideration. Proposals should focus on the priorities identified in the NIRSA Research Agenda.

Application Procedures

Please refer to the Research Grant Application Guidelines prior to preparing a proposal. To apply for one of these prestigious grants, or for further information about the NIRSA Research Grant Program, please contact nirsa.research@nirsa.org.

Past Recipients

Kayla Abrahamson
West Virginia University

Project: An Inquiry into the Accessibility of Campus Recreation for College Students with Mobility and Visual Disabilities

Josephine M. Godwyll
University of Alberta

Project: Iced Out: Investigating the structural constraints in ice sports participation as perceived by vulnerable student populations.

Leeann Lower-Hoppe
The Ohio State University

Project: Generating Positive Workplace Outcomes Through Well-Being: Examining Collegiate Recreation Employees

Cara Lucia
Elon University

Project: Exhibiting Gender Allyship for RecHers

Taylor Roby Perez
The University of Texas at San Antonio

Project: Queer Women Leadership Within Collegiate Recreation

Jacob Tingle
Trinity University

Project: NIRSA Student Referees: Exploring the Connection between Sense of Community and Positive Health and Wellbeing Outcomes

 

Catherine Dorwart
North Carolina Central University

Project: A place for me? An exploration of Black students’ perceptions and preferences for nature-based outdoor recreation spaces at an HBCU 

Luciana Zuest
Towson University

Project: Weight Inclusive Thinking for Fitness Spaces (WIT FITS): A Weight Stigma Intervention for Exercise Professionals

Lindsey Oakes
Temple University

Project: Exploring Inclusion of College Students with IDD within Campus Recreation at the Organizational Level 

Haozhou Pu
University of Dayton

Project: More than a game: Investigating lifestyle and gaming behaviors, social connectedness, and mental wellbeing of collegiate recreational esports participants

 

Ryan Bradshaw
Simmons University

Project: Assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on club sport participation in the United States

Eric Knee
Adelphi University

Project: Assessing the state of risk management policies and procedures at NIRSA-member institutions: A scoping study 

A’Naja Newsome
University of Central Florida

Project: Development and Validation of the Collegiate Recreation Constraints and Negotiations Scale

 

Samantha Powers, Oliver Wilson
Pennsylvania State University

Project: Physical activity for all: Working towards equitable physical activity opportunities for college students

Dr. Jennifer A Pecoraro
University of West Georgia

Project: Cultivating LGBTQ+ Inclusion in College Recreation Programs and Services (CRS): The Effectiveness of a LGBTQ+ Advocate Training Program (ATP)

Caroline Voyles
Drexel University

Project: Investigating Sexual Minorities’ Navigation of Participation and Disclosure Decisions in Athletic Spaces

Dr. Jessica Kirby
University of Colorado, Colorado Springs

Project: Mountain lions on the move: Exploring basic psychological need satisfaction, motivational factors, and student wellbeing in the Fitness Buddies campus recreation physical activity program.

Dr. Kim Curtin
University of Alberta

Project: PAWS for Wellness: Examining a Physical Activity and Wellness Series for international student mental and physical wellness.

Gabriella Sciacchitano
Kennesaw State University

Project: An examination of the impact of integrating physical activity for students being treated for eating disorders/disordered eating behaviors.

Dr. Austin Anderson
University of Southern Indiana

Project: “Impact of LGBTQ Diversity Training on Attitudes and Competencies of Collegiate Recreation Employees”

Dianna Clauss
Rider University

Project: “The impact of a comprehensive student health and wellbeing program on the retention rate of residential first year students.”

Dr. Laura Morris
University of North Carolina Wilmington

Project: “Multi-institutional assessment of the relationship between campus recreation participation and psychological wellbeing.”

Erin Patchett
University of Northern Colorado

Project: “Campus recreation professionals’ engagement with social justice.”

Dr. Deborah Shapiro
Georgia State University

Project: “A Multi‐Institutional Comparison of Barriers and Facilitators of Campus Adapted and Inclusive Intramural Sports Programming for College Students with and without Disabilities”

Yvette Kell
University of Missouri – St. Louis

Project: “An Exploration of Emotionally Intelligent Leadership in Collegiate Recreation Student Employees and their own perceptions of their Emotional Intelligence and Emotionally Intelligent Leadership”

Dr. Benjamin P. Correia-Harker
Interfaith Youth Core

Project: “Campus Recreation and Leadership Development: Pathways for Student and Community Transformation.”

Dr. Leann Lower
Ball State University

Project: “The Collegiate Sport Club Model: Organization Structure, Management, and Outcomes”

Dr. Anthony Patterson
North Carolina Central University

Project: “The Value of Outdoor Recreation Programs for Students at an Historically Black University: An Exploration of Outdoor Recreation Experiences and Barriers to Participation.”

Dr. Amy Rundio
East Carolina University

Project: “Collegiate Sport Club Participation: Constraints, Motivations, and Student Outcomes”

Dr. James M. Pivarnik
Michigan State University

Project: “The Role of Recreational Sports in Student Academic Success and Overall Wellbeing.”

Dr. Keith Howard
North Carolina State University

Project: “Race, Identity, and Belonging: Examining College Students’ Preferences for Sport and Active Recreation.”

Dr. James Pivarnik
Michigan State University

Project: “Interrelationships Among College Student Physical Activity, Club and Intramural Sports Participation, and Academic Performance.”

Dr. Jacob Tingle
Trinity University

Project: “Exploring NIRSA Championship Series Professional Development Opportunities: Understanding Their Perceived Value to the Association.”

Dr. Scott Forrester
Brock University

Project: “Benefits of Campus Recreational Sports Participation: NASPA-NIRSA Consortium.”
 Recipient of the President’s Award for the Article of Distinction

Dr. John Dugan
Loyola University Chicago

Project: “Recreation Sports and Leadership: Examining Influences to Enhance Educational Impact.”

Dr. Jacqueline McDowell
University of Illinois at Urbana

Project: “Toward the Development of National Intramural and Club Sport Gender Equity Guidelines.”
 Recipient of the President’s Award for the Article of Distinction

For more information, contact NIRSA Research

Proposals are now open for the 2022 Grant Program, and close July 15