Deadline: 12-May-2026
The Emerging Scholars in Family Planning grant supports graduate students and clinical trainees in the United States conducting research on abortion and contraception. It provides up to $7,500 for 12-month, publishable research projects that contribute to evidence-based improvements in healthcare policy, practice, and family planning systems. Applications must be submitted through tax-exempt organizations.
What is the Emerging Scholars in Family Planning Grant?
The Emerging Scholars in Family Planning programme is a small research grant designed to support early-career scholars conducting academic and applied research in reproductive health.
It focuses on strengthening the pipeline of future researchers in abortion and contraception by funding graduate-level research projects in the United States.
Key Objectives of the Programme
The grant aims to:
- Support early-career research development in family planning
- Strengthen diversity, equity, inclusion, and multidisciplinary research
- Advance scientific knowledge on abortion and contraception
- Generate empirical evidence for healthcare systems and policy
- Influence clinical practice and health services delivery
- Promote equitable access to reproductive healthcare
- Build a more inclusive research community
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Master’s students
- Doctoral (PhD) students
- Medical trainees
- Nursing trainees
- Resident physicians or clinical trainees
Additional eligibility conditions:
- Must be currently enrolled in a graduate or clinical training programme
- Must reside in the United States
- Must conduct research on abortion and/or contraception in the U.S.
- Must apply through a tax-exempt sponsoring organisation
Funding Details
- Maximum funding: $7,500
- Project duration: 12 months
- Type of funding: Individual graduate-level research support
- Output expectation: Publishable research project (thesis or dissertation allowed)
What Type of Research is Supported?
The programme supports research that:
- Focuses on abortion and contraception
- Produces empirical, data-driven findings
- Contributes to academic publication
- Informs healthcare systems and policy improvements
- Addresses reproductive health access and equity
Examples include:
- Clinical studies on contraceptive access
- Policy analysis of abortion services
- Health systems research in family planning
- Equity-focused reproductive health studies
Why This Programme Matters
This grant supports the development of future reproductive health researchers by:
- Building early-career academic capacity
- Expanding diversity in family planning research
- Strengthening evidence-based reproductive healthcare
- Supporting policy-relevant scientific work
- Improving access to inclusive reproductive health systems
How the Programme Works
Step 1: Identify Research Topic
Select a focus on abortion and/or contraception in the United States.
Step 2: Design Research Project
Develop a structured, publishable academic study.
Step 3: Secure Sponsoring Organisation
Apply through a tax-exempt institution or organisation.
Step 4: Submit Application
Submit proposal through the official programme channel.
Step 5: Conduct Research
Carry out the project over a 12-month period.
Step 6: Produce Findings
Develop publishable outputs (thesis, dissertation, or paper).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting research outside abortion or contraception topics
- Applying without enrolment in a qualifying programme
- Not using a tax-exempt sponsoring organisation
- Proposing non-empirical or non-research-based projects
- Ignoring U.S.-based research requirement
Tips for a Strong Application
- Choose a clear, focused research question
- Ensure strong methodological design
- Emphasize policy or clinical relevance
- Align with equity and inclusion goals
- Show feasibility within 12 months
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who can apply for this grant?
Graduate students and clinical trainees in the United States. - What is the funding amount?
Up to $7,500 per project. - What is the duration of the grant?
12 months. - What topics are eligible?
Abortion and contraception research. - Is publication required?
The project must be publishable, including thesis or dissertation work. - Do I need an institution to apply?
Yes, applications must go through a tax-exempt organization. - Can international students apply?
Only if they are residing and enrolled in training programs in the U.S.
Conclusion
The Emerging Scholars in Family Planning grant provides important early-stage research funding for graduate trainees working in abortion and contraception research in the United States. With its focus on equity, evidence generation, and policy relevance, it helps build the next generation of reproductive health scholars.
Applicants with strong academic grounding, clear research design, and a commitment to advancing reproductive health equity will be best positioned for success.
For more information, visit Society of Family Planning.