The NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) seeks to support the academic achievement and athletic success of student-athletes. It emphasizes the integration of athletics into the higher education mission, ensuring student-athlete well-being and preparing them for professional and personal success.
The NCAA Innovations in Research and Practice Grant Program aims to support research and pilot projects that enhance student-athlete well-being and mental health. The program encourages initiatives on a broad array of topics, including managing life transitions, identity development, stress management, substance use, healthy relationship cultivation, and strategies for entering or exiting sports careers. Projects that show promise for developing into campus-level programs with positive impacts on student-athlete well-being across various institutions are prioritized. Grant requests can be up to $35,000, though funding may be awarded in smaller amounts. Membership in the NCAA is a requirement for application eligibility.