Linguistics
Description
The Linguistics Program supports basic science in the domain of human language, encompassing investigations of the grammatical properties of individual human languages, and of natural language in general. Research areas include syntax, semantics, morphology, phonetics and phonology. The program encourages projects that are interdisciplinary in methodological or theoretical perspective, and that address questions that cross disciplinary boundaries, such as (but not limited to): What are the psychological processes involved in the production, perception, and comprehension of language? What are the computational properties of language and/or the language processor that make fluent production, incremental comprehension or rapid learning possible? How do the acoustic and physiological properties of speech inform our theories of natural language and/or language processing? What role does human neurobiology play in shaping the various grammatical properties of language? How does language develop in natural learning contexts across the life-span? What social and cultural factors underlie language variation and change? Because NSF's mandate is to support basic research, the Linguistics Program does not fund research that takes as its primary goal improved clinical practice or applied policy, nor does it support work to develop or assess pedagogical methods or tools for language instruction. The Linguistics Program accepts proposals for a variety of project types: research proposals from scholars with PhDs or equivalent degrees, proposals for Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement (LING-DDRI) awards, and CAREER proposals. We will also consider proposals for conferences. Funding requests for conference support should be submitted in accordance with the Conference Proposals section of Chapter II of NSF's Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) . NSF's Division of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences (BCS), in partnership with the National Endowment for the Humanities and in collaboration with programs in other NSF Directorates, supports efforts to develop and advance knowledge and infrastructure that will enable the analysis of languages that are both understudied and at risk of falling out of use. In recognition of the critical relevance of these languages to understanding the range and limits of human linguistic and cultural variation, BCS accepts research and dissertation proposals in response to solicitations NSF Dynamic Language Infrastructure - NEH Documenting Endangered Languages (DLI-DEL) and Dynamic Language Infrastructure - Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grants (DLI-DDRI) . For more information about Multidisciplinary Research and Training Opportunities, please visit the SBE Office of Multidisciplinary Activities web site.
Eligibility
See official grant page for eligibility requirements
Industry Tags
About This Grant
The Linguistics Program supports basic science in the domain of human language, encompassing investigations of the grammatical properties of individual human languages, and of natural language in general. Research areas include syntax, semantics, morphology, phonetics and phonology. The program encourages projects that are interdisciplinary in methodological or theoretical perspective, and that address questions that cross disciplinary boundaries, such as (but not limited to): What are the psychological processes involved in the production, perception, and comprehension of language? What are the computational properties of language and/or the language processor that make fluent production, incremental comprehension or rapid learning possible? How do the acoustic and physiological properties of speech inform our theories of natural language and/or language processing? What role does human neurobiology play in shaping the various grammatical properties of language? How does language develop in natural learning contexts across the life-span? What social and cultural factors underlie language variation and change? Because NSF's mandate is to support basic research, the Linguistics Program does not fund research that takes as its primary goal improved clinical practice or applied policy, nor does it support work to develop or assess pedagogical methods or tools for language instruction. The Linguistics Program accepts proposals for a variety of project types: research proposals from scholars with PhDs or equivalent degrees, proposals for Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement (LING-DDRI) awards, and CAREER proposals. We will also consider proposals for conferences. Funding requests for conference support should be submitted in accordance with the Conference Proposals section of Chapter II of NSF's Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) . NSF's Division of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences (BCS), in partnership with the National Endowment for the Humanities and in collaboration with programs in other NSF Directorates, supports efforts to develop and advance knowledge and infrastructure that will enable the analysis of languages that are both understudied and at risk of falling out of use. In recognition of the critical relevance of these languages to understanding the range and limits of human linguistic and cultural variation, BCS accepts research and dissertation proposals in response to solicitations NSF Dynamic Language Infrastructure - NEH Documenting Endangered Languages (DLI-DEL) and Dynamic Language Infrastructure - Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grants (DLI-DDRI) . For more information about Multidisciplinary Research and Training Opportunities, please visit the SBE Office of Multidisciplinary Activities web site.
Funding Information
- Estimated Total Program Funding
- $6,000,000
Eligibility Overview
This opportunity from U.S. National Science Foundation is open to eligible applicants nationwide. Organizations working in Research are especially encouraged to review the requirements.
Federal grant opportunities like this one are typically open to a range of applicant types. Common eligible organizations include:
- Nonprofits and 501(c)(3) organizations
- Small businesses and startups (especially for SBIR/STTR programs)
- State, local, and tribal governments
- Colleges, universities, and research institutions
- Individuals (for select programs in education, arts, and research)
Eligibility requirements vary by opportunity. Always review the official listing before investing time in an application.
How to Apply
- 1
Review the full opportunity
Read the complete Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for this U.S. National Science Foundation program on its official page (https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/45812).
- 2
Confirm eligibility
Check that your organization meets every requirement set by U.S. National Science Foundation ā applicant type, location, registration status, and any prior-award restrictions.
- 3
Prepare required documents
Gather your budget narrative, needs statement, organizational details, SAM.gov registration, and any required certifications.
- 4
Submit before the deadline
This opportunity closes on January 15, 2027. Submit at least 48 hours early ā portal systems are often slow near closing time.
Grant Writing Tips
Proposals for research programs such as those from U.S. National Science Foundation are competitive ā these tips can strengthen your application:
- āStart your application at least 4 weeks before the deadline ā rushed proposals score lower.
- āTailor your needs statement to match the funder's stated priorities, using their exact language where possible.
- āHave a colleague outside your team review your budget narrative before submitting ā fresh eyes catch errors reviewers penalize.
More Grants from U.S. National Science Foundation
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Linguistics?
This opportunity from U.S. National Science Foundation is open to eligible applicants nationwide. Organizations working in Research are especially encouraged to review the requirements. Always confirm the full eligibility criteria on the official listing before applying.
How much funding does Linguistics provide?
The total estimated program funding for Linguistics is $6,000,000.
When is the deadline for Linguistics?
The application deadline for Linguistics is January 15, 2027. Submit at least 48 hours early to avoid last-minute portal issues.
How do I apply for Linguistics?
Apply for Linguistics through the official grant page (https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/45812). Confirm your eligibility and prepare your application materials before the deadline.
Helpful Resources
Need help writing your grant application?
Try Instrumentl ā Grant Writing Software āNeed to form an LLC or corporation first?
Form your business with ZenBusiness āStarting a nonprofit to apply for grants?
Launch your nonprofit with Swyft Filings āGrantLocate may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. This does not affect our grant listings.