The William T. Grant Foundation Research Opportunity supports organizations conducting studies on reducing social inequality. The program funds research that generates actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners, emphasizing evidence-based interventions that address disparities in education, youth development, and other priority areas. Applications are open to tax-exempt organizations, with a focus on underrepresented institutions.

William T. Grant Foundation Research Funding on Social Inequality

Overview

The William T. Grant Foundation funds research that explores and addresses social inequality through evidence-based studies. The initiative prioritizes projects that evaluate programs, policies, or practices aimed at reducing disparities and improving equity.

Why It Matters

• Supports Actionable Research: Funding focuses on studies that generate insights directly useful for policy and practice.

• Promotes Equity: Helps reduce social disparities in education, youth development, and other critical areas.

• Encourages Diversity: Grants prioritize underrepresented institutions, promoting inclusive research participation.

Research Priorities

• Studies that examine how specific interventions reduce inequality.

• Research providing causal evidence of program or policy effectiveness.

• Descriptive or explanatory studies that illuminate mechanisms or processes for promoting equity.

Not Eligible:

• Studies focused solely on physical health outcomes.

• Research outside the program’s priority areas.

• Investigations only examining causes, extent, or consequences of inequality without testing solutions.

Who Is Eligible?

• Tax-exempt organizations (nonprofits, universities, research institutions).

• Particularly encouraged:

  • Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

  • Hispanic-Serving Institutions

  • Tribal Colleges and Universities

  • Alaska Native-Serving Institutions

  • Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions

  • Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions

Funding Details

• Major Research Grants: $100,000–$600,000 over 2–3 years, up to 15% for indirect costs.

• Officers’ Research Grants: $25,000–$50,000 over 1–2 years, up to 15% for indirect costs.

• Funding amounts depend on the study’s scope, complexity, and design.

How to Apply

1. Prepare a research proposal demonstrating how your study addresses social inequality.

2. Highlight the intervention, program, or policy focus, including expected outcomes.

3. Include a clear plan for generating actionable insights for practitioners and policymakers.

4. Submit through the foundation’s designated online application portal.

5. Ensure eligibility criteria are met, emphasizing institutional background and mission alignment.

Tips for Applicants

• Clearly articulate how the research will produce actionable evidence.

• Demonstrate relevance to priority areas and potential impact on reducing disparities.

• Include a strong methodology and plan for dissemination of findings.

• Highlight collaboration with underrepresented or minority-serving institutions when possible.

FAQ

1. Who can apply for this funding?
Only tax-exempt organizations; individuals are not eligible.

2. What types of studies are funded?
Descriptive, explanatory, and intervention research that examines solutions to social inequality.

3. Are studies on physical health outcomes eligible?
No, the program does not fund research primarily focused on physical health.

4. How long is the funding period?
Major grants: 2–3 years; Officers’ grants: 1–2 years.

5. Can indirect costs be included?
Yes, up to 15% of total funding may cover indirect costs.

6. Are underrepresented institutions prioritized?
Yes, HBCUs, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, Tribal Colleges, Alaska Native-Serving, Native Hawaiian-Serving, and AANAPISI are particularly encouraged to apply.

7. What makes a proposal competitive?
A proposal demonstrating actionable insights, rigorous methodology, relevance to inequality reduction, and potential for policy or practice impact.

Conclusion

The William T. Grant Foundation Research Program provides organizations with a platform to conduct high-quality, actionable research on social inequality. By supporting evidence-based interventions and prioritizing underrepresented institutions, the program strengthens efforts to promote equity and inclusion across communities.