The National Science Foundation (NSF) is offering the Dynamic Language Infrastructure-Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grants (DLI-DDRI) to support doctoral research in the documentation and preservation of endangered languages. This initiative aims to advance linguistic theory and foster the use of modern digitization and computational methods in language studies. The program particularly emphasizes languages that are understudied and at risk of extinction. Through this funding, the NSF seeks to contribute to the development of the next generation of researchers in language data management, archiving, and analysis.

The DLI-DDRI program provides funding specifically for doctoral dissertation research, supporting projects that involve fieldwork, digital recording, documentation, and archiving of endangered languages. Eligible activities include compiling lexicons, grammars, and text samples, as well as building databases that preserve linguistic data. However, the program does not support language revitalization efforts such as teaching or expanding language use. For those types of projects, applicants are advised to seek funding through the Native Language Program of the Administration for Native Americans.

Proposals must be submitted by Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) in the United States, acting on behalf of their faculty members. The principal investigator (PI) must be the faculty advisor of the doctoral student, while the co-principal investigator (co-PI) must be the doctoral student. There are no restrictions on the number of proposals that an institution may submit, but each doctoral student is limited to two submissions throughout their graduate career.

The anticipated funding amount for this program is between $150,000 and $250,000, with an estimated 10 to 15 awards given annually. Individual award sizes are capped at $15,000 in direct costs, with indirect costs being subject to the awardee’s federally negotiated rate. Each award is expected to have a duration of up to 24 months. Cost sharing is prohibited, and indirect costs are not included in the direct cost limitation.

Applications must be submitted through Research.gov or Grants.gov. The next application deadlines are February 15 and September 15 annually. Proposals are reviewed based on NSF’s merit review criteria, which include intellectual merit and broader impacts. The review process is managed by NSF Program Officers and external experts who evaluate the feasibility, innovation, and societal contributions of each proposed project.

For more information, applicants can contact Rachel M. Theodore (rtheodor@nsf.gov, (703) 292-4770), Wilson De Lima Silva (widelima@nsf.gov, (703) 292-7096), or Kenyatta Johnson (kenjohns@nsf.gov, (703) 292-4850). Additional details on submission requirements, eligibility, and program guidelines can be found on the NSF website.