NCA Research Cultivation Grants
The NCA Research Cultivation Grants support innovative, IDEA-focused communication research by new grant-seekers, advancing both theory and practice through the National Communication Association.
Funder: National Communication Association
Due Dates: September 15, 2026
Funding Amounts: Up to $12,500 per project (including indirect costs); funding must be spent within one year.
Summary: Supports innovative communication research by new grant-seekers, emphasizing IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access) and engaged scholarship.
Key Information: Applicants must be NCA members with a PhD and no prior external research grant funding post-degree.
Description
The NCA Research Cultivation Grants aim to advance the field of communication by supporting innovative research projects, particularly from scholars new to grant-seeking or those seeking to build a foundation for future grant applications. The program encourages proposals that explore understudied areas, employ creative methodologies, promote inclusion, diversity, equity, and access (IDEA) as outlined in NCA’s strategic plan, or address pressing societal, civic, or ethical concerns. Projects funded are expected to make significant contributions to the study and practice of communication and help translate theory into practical outcomes.
