Deadline: 22-May-2026
The Froebel Trust Research Grant provides funding of up to £50,000 for original research projects that advance Froebelian philosophy and approaches in early childhood education for children aged 0–8 years. Eligible applicants include individual researchers and collaborative partnerships worldwide, with a lead organisation required to receive grant funds. The grant supports personnel, project-related activity costs, administration, and necessary checks, emphasizing research that addresses inequality, inclusion, and diversity in early learning.
Purpose and Objectives
The grant aims to:
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Advance knowledge and understanding of Froebelian philosophy and principles in early childhood education
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Support research that benefits children, families, and early childhood professional communities
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Promote work that addresses deprivation, challenges inequalities, and encourages diversity and inclusion
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Fund projects across disciplines, countries, and organisational contexts, provided they directly contribute to Froebelian education
Funding Details
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Maximum grant amount: £50,000
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Eligible costs:
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Directly incurred personnel costs linked to the project
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Activity and production costs (up to 20% of total budget)
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Project administration and publicity where necessary
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Required checks, e.g., Disclosure and Barring Service checks (UK & Northern Ireland)
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VAT where non-reclaimable
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Ineligible costs: Qualification-related expenses, costs unrelated to research, building or overheads, salary not linked to project, and expenses incurred before project start
Eligibility Criteria
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Applicants: Individual researchers or collaborative partnerships from any organisation or country
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Lead organisation required: Grants are only paid to organisations, not individuals
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Research scope: Original research directly related to early childhood education and Froebelian approaches (children from birth to eight years)
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Applications must be submitted in English, and budgets must be in GBP
Evaluation Considerations
Applications are assessed based on:
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Alignment with Froebel Trust charitable objectives
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Originality and significance of the research
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Potential outcomes and societal impact
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Ethical considerations, project management, sustainability, and value for money
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Focus on children, families, or schools in areas of deprivation or initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion
Application Process and Timeline
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Portal opens: 12th January 2026, 9:00 AM UK time
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Deadline: 22nd May 2026, 4:00 PM UK time
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Eligibility screening results: By 3rd July 2026
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Final outcome notification: 10th July 2026
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Project start window: 1st October 2026 – 31st March 2027
Conclusion
The Froebel Trust Research Grant provides a significant opportunity for researchers worldwide to contribute to evidence-based advances in Froebelian early childhood education. With funding up to £50,000, the program emphasizes projects that benefit children, families, and educators, promote diversity and inclusion, and address educational inequalities. By supporting high-quality, original research, the grant strengthens knowledge, practice, and policy in early learning, enabling tangible positive impacts on communities and fostering innovation in the field of early childhood education.
For more information, visit Froebel Trust.
