NDASA Foundation Grant
Meeting & Poster/Presentation Grant
Funding travel, lodging, and registration so researchers with accepted posters or talks can present their work on drug and alcohol testing at the NDASA Annual Conference.
Ready to apply? Submit your online application after your abstract is accepted.
Application Deadline: February 10, 2026
About the Grant
The NDASA Foundation Meeting & Poster/Presentation Grant supports students and professionals in the drug and alcohol testing field who have an accepted poster or oral presentation at a scientific meeting. The grant covers conference attendance costs so recipients can present their work, engage with the broader community, and advance scientific excellence in forensic toxicology and substance-use screening.
Who Is Eligible
- Students (undergraduate, master's, doctoral) enrolled in an accredited institution with a research poster or oral presentation accepted at a scientific meeting relevant to drug and alcohol testing.
- Professionals who are current NDASA members with a substantive contribution (poster or talk) accepted at a recognized scientific meeting in the field. This includes but is not limited to substance abuse professionals, Designated Employer Representatives (DERs), collectors, and medical laboratory scientists.
- Applicants must be presenting their own research (or leading/co-leading the presentation) and have conference registration accepted by the deadline.
- Applicants must be in good standing with NDASA where applicable.
What the Grant Covers
- Conference registration fees
- A stipend to help defray travel, lodging, meals, or dependent-care costs
- Recognition on the NDASA Foundation website and at the conference where applicable
The number of grants awarded annually depends on the Foundation's budget and sponsor contributions. Funding comes from the NDASA Foundation endowment, corporate partners, and individual donations.
How to Apply
The application window opens with the conference's abstract submission period and closes after abstracts have been accepted. Complete the online form below and upload the required documents.
Required Documents
- Copy of the abstract acceptance letter or email from the conference
- A support statement of 500 words or fewer describing: (1) the research topic and how it advances the field, (2) why conference attendance matters for your career, and (3) estimated costs
- CV or résumé (professionals) or current transcript (students)
- NDASA membership verification where applicable
How Applications Are Reviewed
The NDASA Foundation Grants Committee reviews applications on a rolling basis after abstract acceptance. Decisions weigh the quality and relevance of the research, demonstrated need for support, the applicant's potential to contribute to the field, and commitment to attend and present. For students, a brief volunteer commitment at the meeting may be requested.
Awardees are notified approximately four weeks after the application deadline. Funds are distributed after proof of conference registration and attendance.
Recipient Responsibilities
- Notify the Foundation of any changes to attendance, cancellation, or presentation format
- Submit a post-conference report of 300 words or fewer summarizing the experience (may be published on the NDASA website or newsletter)
- If feasible, present a short overview of the work at an NDASA annual meeting exhibit or social event
- Failure to attend or submit the report may affect eligibility for future NDASA grants
Submit Your Application
Complete the application form and upload your required documents. Applications without an accepted abstract will not be reviewed.
Have Ready Before You Start
- Abstract acceptance letter or email
- Support statement (500 words max)
- CV/résumé or current transcript
- NDASA membership verification, if applicable
Questions before you apply?
A quick email is faster than a rejected application. Contact jomcguire@ndasafoundation.org.
Our Commitment
- Expert review. Applications are evaluated by the NDASA Foundation Grants Committee.
- Scientific focus. Support is tied to accepted posters or talks at recognized meetings — no pay-to-play.
- Transparency. Eligibility, required documents, and selection criteria are published in advance.
- Accountability. Recipients provide post-conference reporting so the Foundation can document outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an accepted abstract to apply?
Yes. The grant is intended for applicants with an accepted poster or oral presentation at a relevant scientific meeting. Submit the acceptance letter or email with your application.
What costs can the stipend cover?
The stipend helps defray travel, lodging, meals, and dependent-care costs tied to conference attendance. Conference registration is covered separately.
When are award decisions made?
Awardees are typically notified about four weeks after the application deadline, once the Grants Committee has completed review.
Can I apply if I'm not presenting my own research?
You must be the presenting author or a lead co-presenter. Attending a conference without an accepted poster or talk doesn't qualify.
Do I have to be an NDASA member?
Professional applicants must be current NDASA members in good standing. Students don't need an NDASA membership, but they must be enrolled at an accredited institution.
Not the right grant for your work?
The Foundation also funds nonprofit initiatives and awards scholarships to students.