Call for Proposals: Small Research Grants on Education Program

The Small Research Grants on Education Program funds rigorous, intellectually ambitious education research projects that address pressing questions and emerging opportunities in education. It supports field-initiated studies across disciplines, methods, and locations, with grants of up to USD 50,000 for projects lasting one to five years. The program is open to U.S. and international researchers affiliated with eligible non-profit or public institutions.

Overview of the Program

The Small Research Grants on Education Program is designed to support high-quality education research that contributes directly to improving educational theory, policy, and practice.

The program prioritizes studies that are intellectually ambitious, methodologically rigorous, and technically sound. It encourages innovative research ideas that respond to the most urgent and compelling challenges in education today.

Unlike many thematic funding schemes, this program is field-initiated and does not restrict applicants to predefined topics, disciplines, research designs, methods, or geographic locations.

Core Objectives of the Program

The program is structured around three main objectives:

• Funding education research projects with total budgets of up to USD 50,000

• Supporting projects with durations ranging from one to five years

• Encouraging research that addresses pressing educational questions while maintaining high technical and intellectual standards

What Types of Research Are Supported?

The program supports projects that are clearly and primarily focused on education research.

Supported research characteristics include:

• Empirical or theoretical studies grounded in education

• Research addressing teaching, learning, education systems, policies, or educational outcomes

• Studies using qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods approaches

• Projects conducted in any country or educational context

There are no restrictions on discipline, methodology, or location, as long as the work is clearly education-focused.

What Is Not Funded?

The program strictly funds research projects and does not support activities that lack a substantial research component.

The following are not eligible for funding:

• Program evaluations without a significant research contribution

• Professional development or training programs

• Curriculum or assessment tool development without embedded research

• Scholarships or fellowships for individual study

• Capital or infrastructure projects

• Software or technology development projects

• Research primarily focused on non-education fields

Projects that fall outside the scope of education research are not eligible.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Principal Investigator (PI) Requirements

To be eligible as a Principal Investigator or Co-Principal Investigator, applicants must:

• Hold an earned doctorate in an academic discipline or professional field

• Be affiliated with an eligible non-profit or public/governmental organization

Graduate students may participate as members of the research team but cannot serve as PIs or Co-PIs.

Eligible Institutions

The PI’s institution must be capable of administering the grant and have recognized non-profit or public status.

Eligible organizations include:

• Non-profit or public colleges and universities

• School districts

• Research institutions and research facilities

• Public or governmental organizations

• Other organizations with recognized non-profit status

Grants are not awarded directly to individuals.

Geographic Scope and Language Requirements

The program accepts applications from both U.S.-based and international researchers.

All applications must meet the following requirements:

• Proposals must be submitted in English

• Budgets must be prepared and submitted in U.S. dollars

This global eligibility allows researchers worldwide to contribute to advancing education research.

Application Timeline and Frequency

Applications are accepted twice per year.

This biannual cycle provides regular opportunities for researchers to propose new studies or advance ongoing lines of inquiry in education.

Applicants should plan their project timelines carefully to align with the submission windows and proposed project duration.

How the Program Works: Step-by-Step

1. Develop a clearly defined education research question grounded in existing literature

2. Design a rigorous and methodologically sound research plan

3. Confirm eligibility of the PI, research team, and administering institution

4. Prepare a detailed budget not exceeding USD 50,000

5. Ensure the proposed timeline falls within one to five years

6. Submit the complete application in English during an open application cycle

Successful proposals clearly demonstrate both intellectual ambition and technical feasibility.

Why This Program Matters

The Small Research Grants on Education Program plays a critical role in advancing education research by:

• Supporting early-stage and small-scale studies with high potential impact

• Enabling innovative ideas that may not yet qualify for large-scale funding

• Encouraging diverse perspectives and global research contributions

• Strengthening the evidence base for education policy and practice

By focusing on research quality rather than predefined themes, the program fosters creativity and responsiveness to emerging educational challenges.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should be careful to avoid the following common issues:

• Submitting projects that are primarily program implementation rather than research

• Proposing evaluations without a strong theoretical or research contribution

• Exceeding the USD 50,000 budget cap

• Listing graduate students as PIs or Co-PIs

• Failing to clearly demonstrate the project’s relevance to education

Ensuring alignment with the program’s research-focused mission is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the maximum grant amount?

The maximum funding available per project is USD 50,000.

How long can a funded project last?

Projects may range in duration from one to five years.

Can international researchers apply?

Yes. Both U.S. and international applicants are eligible, provided all application materials are submitted in English and budgets are in U.S. dollars.

Are graduate students allowed to apply?

Graduate students may participate as research team members but cannot serve as Principal Investigators or Co-Principal Investigators.

Does the program fund curriculum or tool development?

No, unless the development is accompanied by a substantial and clearly defined research component.

Can individuals apply directly for funding?

No. Grants must be administered through an eligible non-profit or public institution.

How often are applications accepted?

Applications are accepted twice per year.

Conclusion

The Small Research Grants on Education Program offers a flexible and globally accessible funding opportunity for researchers committed to advancing education through rigorous research. By supporting intellectually ambitious, technically sound, and field-initiated studies, the program enables meaningful contributions to education policy, practice, and knowledge worldwide. Researchers with strong education-focused proposals and eligible institutional affiliations are well-positioned to benefit from this opportunity.