NIRSA began with a grant for academic research from the Carnegie Foundation
NIRSA founder Dr. William Wasson secured the pivotal grant, and his curiosity spawned the Association in 1950.
In that spirit, NIRSA Research Grants support original, scholarly research. If you or a colleague is conducting research to advance campus recreation knowledge and best practices, let NIRSA help!
Grant Eligibility
NIRSA-funded research must be conducted at or for a NIRSA member institution. Proposals should connect to the field of campus recreation and relate to the priorities identified in NIRSA’s Strategic Framework. Student applications must be supported by faculty sponsors who have agreed to oversee the proposed research.
Apply for Funding
Up to $32K/year is awarded: Applications are accepted annually between June and July, and awards are announced in October.
Recent Projects
Knowledge or the profession is expanded through NIRSA Foundation research grants. Review previous research projects supported by NIRSA Foundation Research Grants.
2025
Betsey Hubbard
University of Northern Colorado
Cripping Campus Recreation: Exploring Disability, Belonging, and Participation in Recreational Sport
A’Naja Newsome
University of Central Florida
Investigating the Impact of mHealth and Peer Health Coaching on Campus Recreation Participation Among Non-users
Daniel Springer
University of Oklahoma
Bridging Borders: A US-Canada Comparison of Sport Club Models to Inform Transferable Strategies for Collegiate Club Success
2024
Melissa Bopp
Pennsylvania State University
Evaluation of the impact of campus outdoor recreation and education programs on the mental health of college students
Scott Dankel
Rowan University
SMH, I want to exercise but lack the knowledge and confidence: Turning Shaking my Head into Show Me How!
David Kerschner
University of Maine
Building Healthy Teams: Leadership Development for Hazing Prevention and Club Sport Athlete Well-Being
Stephanie Walden-Schwake
University of Southern Indiana
Campus Recreation Student Employment and Sense of Belonging
2023
Kayla Abrahamson
West Virginia University
An Inquiry into the Accessibility of Campus Recreation for College Students with Mobility and Visual Disabilities
Josephine M. Godwyll
University of Alberta
Iced Out: Investigating the structural constraints in ice sports participation as perceived by vulnerable student populations.
Leeann Lower-Hoppe
The Ohio State University
Generating Positive Workplace Outcomes Through Well-Being: Examining Collegiate Recreation Employees
Cara Lucia
Elon University
Exhibiting Gender Allyship for RecHers
Taylor Roby Perez
The University of Texas at San Antonio
Queer Women Leadership Within Collegiate Recreation
Jacob Tingle
Trinity University
NIRSA Student Referees: Exploring the Connection between Sense of Community and Positive Health and Wellbeing Outcomes
2022
Catherine Dorwart
North Carolina Central University
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
Weight Inclusive Thinking for Fitness Spaces (WIT FITS): A Weight Stigma Intervention for Exercise Professionals
Lindsey Oakes
Temple University
Exploring Inclusion of College Students with IDD within Campus Recreation at the Organizational Level
Haozhou Pu
University of Dayton
More than a game: Investigating lifestyle and gaming behaviors, social connectedness, and mental wellbeing of collegiate recreational esports participants
2021
Ryan Bradshaw
Simmons University
Assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on club sport participation in the United States
Eric Knee
Adelphi University
Assessing the state of risk management policies and procedures at NIRSA-member institutions: A scoping study
A’Naja Newsome
University of Central Florida
Development and Validation of the Collegiate Recreation Constraints and Negotiations Scale
2020
Samantha Powers, Oliver Wilson
Pennsylvania State University
Physical activity for all: Working towards equitable physical activity opportunities for college students
Dr. Jennifer A Pecoraro
University of West Georgia
Cultivating LGBTQ+ Inclusion in College Recreation Programs and Services (CRS): The Effectiveness of a LGBTQ+ Advocate Training Program (ATP)
Caroline Voyles
Drexel University
Investigating Sexual Minorities’ Navigation of Participation and Disclosure Decisions in Athletic Spaces
For research grant projects prior to 2020, please contact NIRSA Research.
Supporting the Research
Research grants are made possible by the NIRSA Foundation. You can support future research by donating to the NIRSA Foundation Mission Advancement Fund.