Applications for Large Research Grants on Education Programs are Now Being Accepted (Grant $500,000)

Concerning the Organization

Since 1971, The Spencer Foundation has been a major source of funding for education-related research. It is the only national foundation that only supports this field of study.

Regarding the Grant

The Major Research Grants on Education Program supports education research initiatives with budgets ranging from

$125,000 to $500,000 for projects lasting one to five years that would improve education broadly considered. Grants with budgets in each of the following funding tiers — $125,000 to $250,000; $250,001 to $375,000;

and $375,001 to $500,000 — are what we plan to award.

We consider projects within each of our funding levels, and we highly advise applicants to apply for the funding that best matches their proposal rather than the greatest amount. Twice a year, we receive Intent to Apply forms.

The “field-initiated” nature of this program means that proposals aren’t being submitted in response to requests for a particular study topic, discipline, design, methodology, or location. With this initiative, we hope to encourage research that is rigorous, intellectually challenging, and technically competent and that addresses the most important issues and enticing possibilities in education.

Eligibility

Academic research initiatives with the goal of studying education must be the focus of proposals to the Research Grants on Education program. Research-related proposals only; other activities are not allowed (e.g., program evaluations, professional development, curriculum development, scholarships, capital projects). Moreover, research study suggestions that are not related to education are ineligible.

An acquired doctorate in an academic discipline or professional field, or sufficient experience in a profession connected to education research, are requirements for Principal Investigators (PIs) and Co-PIs applying for a Major Research Award on Education. Graduate students are allowed to participate in the research team but cannot be listed as the principal investigator (PI) or co-principal investigator (Co-PI) on the proposal.

If the grant is awarded, the PI must be connected to a non-profit or public/governmental entity that is willing to act as the administering organization. The Spencer Foundation does not give money to people directly. Examples include public or non-profit institutions, universities, school systems, and research centers. Other non-profit organizations with a 501(c)(3) judgment from the IRS are also examples (or equivalent non-profit status if the organization is outside of the United States).

Both domestic and foreign proposals are welcome, but they must both be submitted in English and include a U.S. budget. Dollars.

How to Apply

The Intent to Apply form is the first step in the application process. Upon submission, you will have access to our web portal’s Complete Proposal application. On the deadline day, intent to apply paperwork must be sent by 12:00 p.m. Central Time.

APPLY HERE