2025 IRP Application Deadline...12/12

The National Sanitarium Association

Funding Innovative Research to Advance Respiratory Health

 

The National Sanitarium Association (NSA) is a not-for-profit charity founded in 1896.  Originally founded to build & run sanitaria for the treatment of Tuberculosis, we have evolved from our pioneering past to now being a research funding organization.

The NSA now funds two programs:
The NSA Innovative Research Program (IRP)
The NSA Scholars’ Program (SP)
Now accepting applications for the IRP, Deadline Dec 12th 
Click for details of these programs
The National Sanitarium Association (NSA) - Early Years

The National Sanitarium Association (NSA) has a storied history that began in the late 19th century, during an era when tuberculosis—then known as the "White Plague"—was one of the world's deadliest diseases. Founded in 1896 by a group of visionary leaders, including philanthropist William Gage, the NSA played a pivotal role in establishing Canada’s first sanitarium in Muskoka and the Toronto Free Hospital for the Consumptive Poor. These facilities provided critical care and advanced the understanding of tuberculosis treatment and prevention during a time when stigma and misinformation about the disease were widespread.

 

Present Day - Funding Innovative Research
In keeping with its pioneering past, the NSA research funding is at the cutting edge of Respirology. The association started making multi-year grants in such fields as Drug Resistant TB, Lung Cell Biology, Lung Transplantation, Sleep Apnea, Asthma, and Environmental Impacts.
Later, in the mid 2010’s a grant program was started to promote and assist new Researchers to get started with their research activities.
 
Respiratory Disease

Respiratory diseases encompass a wide range of conditions that affect the airways, lungs, and respiratory muscles, impairing the body’s ability to breathe effectively. These diseases include chronic conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and interstitial lung diseases, as well as acute infections such as pneumonia and tuberculosis. They can result from genetic factors, environmental exposures, infections, or lifestyle choices, such as smoking. Respiratory diseases are among the leading causes of illness and death worldwide, placing a significant burden on healthcare systems. Advances in research have led to better diagnostic tools, treatments, and preventive strategies, yet challenges remain in addressing disparities in access to care and mitigating the effects of pollution and climate change on respiratory health.

 

Governance

The NSA was incorporated in 1896 by Special Act of Parliament and operates as a registered not-for-profit charity under the Canada Revenue Agency.

Our governance ensures transparency and accountability in all operations.

2025 Innovative Research Program Application

  • Deadline: December 12th, 11:59 PM
It is STRONGLY recommended that you review the information on the Grant Programs 2025 Page and the instructions on this Form before applying.

Note that applications that are incomplete or do not adhere to the requested format will not be considered.
Fields marked with * are mandatory.
If you click [Submit Application] the information on the form will be recorded and the application logged.
Once submitted, applications can not be amended. 
No information is permanently retained on this or any other web site.
To exit without submitting the form:
use browser back button or click [x] box at the top of the form but note that ANY DATA ENTERED WILL BE LOST

When you Submit you will see a spinning wheel for a few seconds, THEN THE FORM WILL CLEAR, and the web site will confirm the application was received.  In a few minutes you will receive an email with a copy of your application (it may go to your Spam or Junk folder). 

If after a minute or two you haven’t received that email contact the Secretary Treasurer