[U.S. National Science Foundation](https://www.nsf.gov)

July 15, 2026 (application submission deadline)

Estimated total program funding: $6,000,000; typical award size and duration vary by project type.

Supports basic research on human language, including linguistics, language processing, and interdisciplinary studies.

--- ## Description This program supports fundamental research in the science of human language, focusing on the properties of individual languages and natural language in general. Funded research areas include syntax, semantics, morphology, phonetics, and phonology, with encouragement for interdisciplinary or cross-disciplinary projects. The program welcomes proposals that address psychological, computational, neurobiological, acoustic, physiological, social, and cultural aspects of language, as well as language development and variation. The program does **not** fund projects whose primary goal is improved clinical practice, applied policy, or the development/assessment of pedagogical methods or tools for language instruction. Eligible project types include research proposals from scholars with a PhD or equivalent, Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement (LING-DDRI) proposals, CAREER proposals, and conference proposals (see PAPPG for conference proposal requirements). Special efforts are supported for research and infrastructure development related to understudied and endangered languages, often in partnership with the National Endowment for the Humanities and other NSF directorates. --- ## Due Dates - July 15, 2026: Application submission deadline --- ## Funding Amount - Estimated total program funding: $6,000,000 - Typical award size and duration vary by project type (research, dissertation improvement, CAREER, conference) - No cost sharing or matching requirement --- ## Eligibility - Unrestricted: Open to a wide range of applicants, including individuals and institutions. - Typical applicants include researchers with a PhD or equivalent degree, doctoral students (for LING-DDRI), and institutions/organizations for conference proposals. - International researchers may be eligible if affiliated with a U.S. institution. --- ## Application Process - Proposals must be submitted in accordance with the [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1). - All application materials and specific requirements are detailed in the program solicitation and the PAPPG. - Submission is through NSF’s designated electronic systems (e.g., Research.gov or Grants.gov). - Conference proposals must follow the guidelines in Chapter II of the PAPPG. - For Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement proposals, see the [LING-DDRI program page](https://new.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/linguistics-program-doctoral-dissertation-research). --- ## Additional Information - The program encourages interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary research. - Proposals focused on the documentation and analysis of endangered languages should consider the [DLI-DEL](https://new.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/nsf-dynamic-language-infrastructure-neh) and [DLI-DDRI](https://new.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/dynamic-language-infrastructure-doctoral) opportunities. - For conference proposals, consult the Conference Proposals section of the PAPPG. - Recent policy updates include requirements regarding research security and prohibitions on certain foreign affiliations; see [NSF Important Notice No. 149](https://www.nsf.gov/notices/important/important-notice-no-149-updates-nsf-research-security/in149). --- ## External Links - [NSF Linguistics Program Page](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/linguistics) - [Program Description & Details](http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5408) - [Browse Funded Projects](https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/search-results?ProgEleCode=131100&BooleanElement=Any&BooleanRef=Any&ActiveAwards=true#results) - [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1) - [NSF Dynamic Language Infrastructure - NEH Documenting Endangered Languages (DLI-DEL)](https://new.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/nsf-dynamic-language-infrastructure-neh) - [Grants.gov Opportunity Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/45812) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | Role/Organization | |---------------------------|-------------------------------------|---------------|------------------------| | Wilson de Lima Silva | [widelima@nsf.gov](mailto:widelima@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-7096 | Program Director, SBE/BCS | | Kenyatta Johnson | [kenjohns@nsf.gov](mailto:kenjohns@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-4850 | Program Specialist, SBE/BCS | | NSF Grants.gov Support | [grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov](mailto:grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov) | — | General Support | | NSF General Info | [info@nsf.gov](mailto:info@nsf.gov) | 1-703-292-5111 | NSF Main Contact |

Linguistics

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