Deadline: 24-Feb-2026

The Spencer Foundation’s Research Grants on Education support ambitious, field-initiated studies that advance educational knowledge, policy and practice. Grants range from $125,000 to $500,000 for research projects lasting one to five years, starting from the 2026 funding cycle. Eligible scholars worldwide with doctoral degrees and nonprofit/public institutional affiliation may apply.

Overview

The Spencer Foundation invites scholars to apply for its Research Grants on Education, a global grant programme designed to support rigorous, original research that advances understanding of education. Beginning in 2026, the programme shifts to one annual funding cycle while expanding the number of projects it supports.

Key Features of the Grant

• Funding available: USD $125,000–$500,000

• Project duration: 1–5 years

• Application window: Single annual cycle starting in 2026

• Approach: Fully field-initiated; researchers choose topics, methods, and designs

• Goal: Support high-quality studies that contribute meaningful insights to educational theory, practice and policy

Research Focus Areas

The programme supports research that:

• Advances understanding of learning across the lifespan

• Examines education in diverse contexts (schools, homes, workplaces, communities, recreation spaces)

• Addresses pressing educational questions with conceptual depth

• Offers potential for long-lasting contributions to the field

• Demonstrates scholarly ambition and intellectual rigor

Methodological Scope

The programme embraces methodological diversity, encouraging:

• Quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods studies

• Longitudinal research and multi-source data approaches

• Ethnographic, historical and design-based research

• Participatory studies engaging practitioners or communities

• Multidisciplinary and multigenerational research teams

Why This Grant Matters

This grant empowers researchers to investigate critical educational issues with the flexibility, funding and time needed to produce transformative insights. It supports independent scholarship, encourages methodological innovation and strengthens global educational research.

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify, applicants must:

• Hold a doctoral degree (PI and co-PIs)

• Be affiliated with a nonprofit or public institution capable of administering grant funds

• Submit a proposal focused solely on education research

• Prepare their application in English and budget in U.S. dollars

• Commit to a project timeline not exceeding five years

• Have no more than one active Spencer research grant at a time

Not Eligible

• Program development or implementation

• Evaluations of existing programs

• Curriculum or technology development

• Activities unrelated to research

• For-profit institutional applicants

What Strong Proposals Include

A competitive proposal should:

• Pose clear, meaningful and researchable questions

• Demonstrate methodological soundness and appropriate design

• Articulate contributions to theory, practice, policy or public understanding

• Show long-term relevance and potential for significant field impact

• Detail plans for dissemination to academic, practitioner and policymaking communities

• Present a budget aligned with project scope—not maximized unnecessarily

How to Apply

1. Visit the Spencer Foundation’s official website and navigate to the Research Grants on Education section.

2. Review the application guidelines, eligibility requirements and timeline.

3. Prepare the following materials:

   • Project abstract and narrative

   • Research design and methodology

   • Timeline (1–5 years)

   • CVs for all investigators

   • Institutional affiliation documentation

   • Budget and budget justification (USD)

4. Submit all materials through the Spencer online application portal.

5. Respond to any clarification requests during the review process.

6. Await funding notification following the annual review cycle.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Proposing program implementation rather than research

• Inflating the budget beyond the genuine scope

• Failing to articulate the study’s long-term contribution

• Submitting proposals without clear research questions

• Overlooking cross-context or multi-method opportunities

• Exceeding the five-year project limit

• Applying with an active Spencer research grant already in progress

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can international researchers apply?
Yes. Applicants from any country may apply, provided the proposal is in English and uses U.S. dollars.

2. Do all investigators need doctoral degrees?
Yes. Both principal investigators and co-investigators must hold a doctoral degree.

3. Can the grant be used for technology development or pilot programs?
No. The funding supports research only—not program creation or evaluation.

4. Can researchers collaborate with schools or community groups?
Yes, collaborations with practitioners, communities and multiple institutions are encouraged.

5. What determines the grant amount requested?
Budget requests must be based on the actual scope and needs of the research.

6. Can early-career researchers apply?
Yes. There is no seniority requirement as long as eligibility criteria are met.

7. What happens if I already have a Spencer research grant?
You must complete and close any active Spencer research grants before applying for another.

Conclusion

The Spencer Foundation’s Research Grants on Education offer an exceptional opportunity for scholars to conduct high-impact research that shapes the future of education globally. With flexible funding levels, methodological openness and support for ambitious inquiry, the programme remains one of the most respected resources for advancing educational research. If your work seeks to deepen understanding and influence policy or practice, this grant provides the platform to make a lasting contribution.

For more information, visit Spencer Foundation.