The National Science Foundation (NSF) Linguistics Program supports fundamental research in the field of human language, exploring both the grammatical properties of individual languages and the broader characteristics of natural language. This program focuses on core linguistic areas such as syntax, semantics, morphology, phonetics, and phonology. It encourages interdisciplinary approaches that integrate perspectives from psychology, neuroscience, computational sciences, and social sciences to advance knowledge on language processing, acquisition, and variation. While the program welcomes innovative projects that expand theoretical and empirical understanding, it explicitly does not fund research with primary applications in clinical practice, language instruction, or policy development.

Eligible applicants for this program include scholars holding a Ph.D. or equivalent degree. The program also supports Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement (LING-DDRI) awards, early-career faculty proposals (CAREER awards), and conference proposals. Researchers working on endangered or understudied languages may also seek funding through related NSF initiatives, such as the Dynamic Language Infrastructure - NEH Documenting Endangered Languages (DLI-DEL) and Dynamic Language Infrastructure - Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grants (DLI-DDRI). These initiatives acknowledge the significance of linguistic diversity and cultural variation, providing dedicated support for the documentation and analysis of at-risk languages.

Grant funds may be used for a range of research activities, including data collection, fieldwork, laboratory experiments, and theoretical analysis. Proposals may involve interdisciplinary collaborations that bridge linguistics with cognitive science, computer science, or anthropology, among other fields. However, projects must align with NSF’s commitment to basic research, meaning that they should contribute to theoretical advancements rather than applied outcomes. Funding for conferences must comply with the guidelines outlined in the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG).

Applicants must adhere to all submission guidelines specified in the NSF PAPPG. Proposals should clearly outline the research objectives, methodologies, expected contributions, and broader impacts of the project. Proposals must be submitted either through Research.gov or Grants.gov, following the corresponding preparation and submission guidelines. Applicants should carefully review the solicitation requirements to ensure compliance and maximize the competitiveness of their submissions.

The selection process for funding is based on a rigorous peer-review evaluation. Reviewers assess proposals based on their intellectual merit, potential to advance fundamental knowledge in linguistics, and broader impacts, including contributions to education, workforce development, and societal benefits. The review panels typically convene in April and November, with funding decisions announced a few months after these meetings.

The NSF Linguistics Program has a rolling submission cycle, with target deadlines set for January 15 and July 15 each year. If a deadline falls on a weekend or a federal holiday, the due date is adjusted to the next federal business day. Researchers planning to apply should prepare well in advance, as NSF’s review process can be highly competitive and detailed proposal preparation is essential for success.

For additional guidance, applicants may contact program directors, including Rachel M. Theodore, Wilson de Lima Silva, and Jorge Valdes Kroff, who are available for inquiries regarding proposal preparation and funding opportunities. Researchers are also encouraged to explore related NSF programs that support interdisciplinary linguistic research.