NAA Research Grant Program

Advancing Research That Improves Life With Aphasia

The National Aphasia Association (NAA) Research Grant Program supports research and innovation that improves the quality of life of people living with aphasia and their families.

Through this program, the NAA provides funding for research studies, pilot projects, and community-based initiatives that advance understanding, treatment, and support for aphasia.

Our goal is to help move the field forward by supporting researchers, clinicians, and innovators who are working to improve communication access, care, and quality of life.

As the NAA continues to grow its role as a convener and capacity-builder in aphasia research, the grant program will expand to include new funding opportunities that reflect emerging priorities in the field.

The NAA currently offers several funding opportunities through our Research Grant Program.

Barbara Martin Aphasia Research Grants

• Award Amount: Two annual awards of $10,000 each
• Research Focus: Improving understanding, treatment, and lived experiences of aphasia.
• Timeline: Applications open each spring, must be submitted by July, and awards are announced in September.
• About the Grant: Honors the legacy of Barbara Martin, a long-time advocate for people with aphasia and a champion of research that improves communication outcomes.

Outdrive Aphasia Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) Research Grant

• Award Amount: One annual award of $10,000
• Research Focus: Interventions, care models, and support for individuals and families living with PPA.
• Timeline: Applications open each spring, must be submitted by July, and awards are announced in September.
• About the Grant: Supported by the Outdrive Aphasia Golf Tournament hosted by Campbell Gibbons & Associates.

Davetrina Seles Gadson Health Equity Mini-Grants

• Award Amount: Up to three mini-grants of up to $500 each. As this fund grows, we hope to expand the number of projects supported each year.
• Research Focus: Small projects, pilot effots, and community-driven initiatives addressing equity and inclusion in aphasia care.
• About the Grant: Honors the legacy of Dr. Davetrina Seles Gadson and her commitment to ensuring that all individuals with aphasia have access to meaningful support and services.

Interested in Applying?

Researchers and clinicians interested in applying should visit the individual grant pages for details and application instructions. We strongly encourage projects that center the priorities and experiences of people living with aphasia and their care partners. This commitment aligns with the NAA’s broader efforts to strengthen patient-centered research capacity, including initiatives such as the Core Impact project.

“Receiving funding from NAA has strengthened my confidence as an early career researcher and has opened doors to clinical trial work that would otherwise have been out of reach. It has also allowed me to engage my students in meaningful research experiences, giving them valuable hands-on opportunities to work with individuals living with aphasia.”

Mara Steinberg Lowe, Ph.D. CCC-SLP, 2024 Outdrive Aphasia PPA Grant Award Recipient

Our October 2025 “Ask the Expert” webinar featured the awardees of the 2025 NAA Research Grants: Dr. Amy Vogel-Eyny, Dr. Mara Steinberg Lowe, and Sophie Arheix-Parras.  They shared insights into their funded studies in aphasia rehabilitation, language processing, and stakeholder-centered therapy.

We also announced the 2025-2026 recipients of the NAA’s Grants for a total of $30,000 to help advance aphasia research.

Click here to view this video and related resources in our Ask the Expert Webinar Library.