80 Years of Innovation and Impact

From its beginnings as a student club at the University of Iowa to a national leader fueling research and discovery in communication sciences, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation (ASHFoundation) has been advancing knowledge, supporting careers, and transforming lives for eight decades.

1939

University of Iowa students form the Demosthenes Club, dedicated to studying and overcoming stuttering.

1946

The Speech Correction Research Foundation is officially established within the American Speech Correction Association. First research grant awarded to William Love ($75).

1950

Formal scholarship program begins with a $500 fund.

1956

Renamed the American Speech and Hearing Foundation, aligning with ASHA’s identity.

1959

Foundation officers and board roles are formally established.

1979

Becomes the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation, expanding its mission to all communication sciences.

New Investigators Research Grants launched ($1,000 each).

1981-1985

Under Frank R. Kleffner’s leadership, launches seed grants, creates the Founders Club for donors, and forges corporate partnerships that bring visibility and financial strength.

1990

ASHFoundation disburses $41,000 in research grants, scholarships and clinical awards.

1994

ASHFoundation achieves independent fiduciary oversight while remaining closely linked with ASHA.

1999-2005

Dreams and Possibilities capital campaign raises nearly $2 million, strengthening financial sustainability.

2005

ASHFoundation awards a record $182,000 in research grants, scholarships, and clinical awards in a single year—evidence of its growing reach.

2008

Clinical Research Grant Program launches ($50K-$75K).

2009

The University Engagement Program (UEP) launches and includes 14 universities.

2010

Funding accelerates innovative research in communication in Down syndrome, aphasia rehabilitation and recovery, and cochlear implant outcomes. 

2012

NSSLHA Graduate Student Scholarship launches ($5,000).

2013

Spirit of Philanthropy Award created and awarded.

2014

ASHFoundation hosts the Implementation Science Summit, a transformative program about the science of integrating research into practice.

2018

Researcher-Practitioner Collaboration Grant launches ($35,000).

2020

Research expands to urgent and timely issues—health disparities in communication disorders, listening fatigue in children, bilingual language growth, and the impact of adverse auditory environments on child development.

ASHFoundation Virtual 5K Walk/Run begins.

2024

Corporate Champion Award created and awarded.

2025

Foundations and Innovations Artificial Intelligence Summit hosted.

2026

ASHFoundation celebrates 80 years with more than $15.6 million to more than 2,700 researchers, clinicians, and students, fueling discoveries that shape communication sciences and disorders worldwide.