Deadline: 29-Jul-2026
The Research Grants Program supports studies that improve how research evidence is used in policy and practice to benefit young people aged 5–25 in the United States. Funding is available for research that develops, tests, and evaluates strategies to strengthen evidence-informed decision-making, research-practice partnerships, and the use of research evidence to improve youth outcomes.
Overview
The Research Grants Program funds research that examines how existing research evidence can be more effectively used by policymakers, organizational leaders, practitioners, and other decision-makers serving young people.
The program focuses on strengthening evidence-informed decision-making and increasing the practical impact of research in real-world settings. Supported studies investigate strategies that improve access to, understanding of, and application of research evidence across education systems, child welfare agencies, justice settings, and other youth-serving organizations.
The ultimate goal is to improve outcomes for young people between the ages of 5 and 25 in the United States by fostering stronger connections between research, policy, and practice.
Funding Information
Major Research Grants
- Funding amount: USD 100,000 to USD 1,000,000
- Project duration: 2–4 years
- Indirect costs: Up to 15%
Funding levels generally depend on project scope:
- Secondary data analysis projects typically fall within the lower funding range.
- Studies involving new data collection may receive larger awards.
- Experimental studies using random assignment of settings may qualify for funding exceeding USD 600,000.
Officers’ Research Grants
- Funding amount: USD 25,000 to USD 50,000
- Project duration: 1–2 years
- Indirect costs: Up to 15%
These grants may support:
- Independent research studies
- Pilot projects
- Research connected to larger initiatives
- Exploratory investigations aligned with program priorities
Research Priority Areas
The program supports two primary areas of inquiry.
Improving the Use of Research Evidence
Research may focus on identifying, developing, testing, or evaluating strategies that improve the routine use of existing research evidence in policy and practice.
Examples include:
- Research-practice partnerships
- Organizational strategies for evidence use
- Technical assistance approaches
- Stakeholder engagement models
- Collaborative decision-making frameworks
- Knowledge translation strategies
- Institutional structures supporting evidence use
- Systems that improve access to research findings
Studies should examine how these approaches help decision-makers effectively use research evidence when making policy or operational decisions.
Understanding the Impact of Research Use
The second priority area focuses on whether improved research use leads to better decisions and stronger outcomes for youth.
Research may explore:
- The relationship between evidence use and policy quality
- The effects of research-informed decisions on youth outcomes
- Conditions that support effective evidence-informed decision-making
- Organizational factors influencing research utilization
- Long-term impacts of evidence-based policies and practices
Projects should generate knowledge about how research use contributes to meaningful improvements for young people.
Eligible Activities
Eligible activities include:
- Testing strategies that improve research use
- Evaluating evidence-use interventions
- Studying research-practice partnerships
- Examining decision-making processes
- Investigating stakeholder engagement approaches
- Assessing organizational learning systems
- Evaluating technical assistance models
- Research on institutional strategies for evidence utilization
- Studies linking research use to youth outcomes
Projects should focus on the practical application of existing research evidence rather than generating entirely new scientific findings.
Ineligible Activities
The program does not support:
- Studies that only examine how organizations access or interpret research without testing improvement strategies
- Projects focused exclusively on data-driven decision-making
- Research solely examining frontline practitioner use of research
- Program implementation activities without a research component
- Operational expenses
- General organizational costs
- Fundraising activities
- Endowment support
- Scholarships
- General administrative expenses
Who is Eligible?
Organizational Eligibility
Applications are open to:
- Tax-exempt organizations
- Nonprofit research institutions
- Universities and colleges
- Policy research organizations
- Youth-serving organizations with research capacity
The program encourages applications from historically underrepresented institutions, including:
- Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
- Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs)
- Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs)
- Alaska Native-Serving Institutions
- Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions
- Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs)
Principal Investigator Requirements
Principal Investigators must:
- Possess the expertise necessary to conduct the proposed research
- Demonstrate relevant methodological and subject-matter experience
- Have the capacity to manage the project successfully
The program encourages applications from researchers with diverse:
- Racial backgrounds
- Ethnic backgrounds
- Gender identities
- Professional experiences
Beginning in 2026, each Principal Investigator may submit only one application per funding cycle.
Target Population
All proposed studies must focus on outcomes affecting young people aged 5–25 in the United States.
Relevant settings may include:
- Education systems
- Child welfare systems
- Juvenile justice systems
- Community-based youth programs
- Public policy environments
- Government agencies
- Nonprofit service organizations
Projects should demonstrate a clear pathway through which improved research use may benefit youth.
Why This Grant Matters
Large amounts of research are produced each year, yet evidence is not always effectively incorporated into policy and practice decisions.
This funding program seeks to close the gap between research and action by supporting studies that:
- Improve evidence-informed decision-making
- Strengthen policy development processes
- Enhance organizational learning
- Build sustainable research-practice partnerships
- Increase the practical impact of research investments
- Improve outcomes for young people
By understanding how research evidence can be used more effectively, organizations can make better decisions that lead to stronger educational, social, and developmental outcomes.
How to Apply
Applicants should follow these steps:
- Review the program priorities and eligibility requirements.
- Identify which funding mechanism best matches the project scope.
- Develop a research question aligned with one of the program’s priority areas.
- Design a rigorous study methodology.
- Demonstrate how the project will improve research use or examine its impact.
- Prepare a realistic project budget and timeline.
- Submit the application according to program requirements.
Applicants should clearly explain:
- The problem being addressed
- The strategy being tested
- The research design
- Expected outcomes
- Relevance to youth aged 5–25
- Potential contributions to evidence-informed decision-making
Tips for a Competitive Application
Strong applications typically:
- Address a clearly defined research-use challenge
- Focus on practical decision-making contexts
- Include rigorous research methods
- Demonstrate relevance to youth outcomes
- Build meaningful partnerships with decision-makers
- Present measurable outcomes and indicators
- Show potential for broader impact and replication
Projects that connect research use directly to organizational improvement and youth outcomes are often more competitive.
Common Application Mistakes
Common issues include:
- Focusing on research dissemination rather than research use
- Studying evidence access without testing improvement strategies
- Weak connections to youth outcomes
- Insufficient methodological rigor
- Unclear decision-maker engagement plans
- Poor alignment with program priorities
- Overly broad or unrealistic project goals
Applicants should ensure that the proposed study directly addresses the use of research evidence and its impact on decision-making.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main purpose of this grant program?
The program supports research that improves the use of research evidence in policy and practice to benefit young people aged 5–25 in the United States.
What funding is available through Major Research Grants?
Major Research Grants provide between USD 100,000 and USD 1,000,000 over two to four years.
What funding is available through Officers’ Research Grants?
Officers’ Research Grants provide between USD 25,000 and USD 50,000 over one to two years.
Who can apply?
Tax-exempt organizations and eligible research institutions may apply, provided they have the capacity to conduct the proposed research.
Are projects focused solely on data-driven decision-making eligible?
No. Projects focused exclusively on data-driven decision-making are not eligible under this program.
What age group must the research benefit?
All funded studies must focus on outcomes affecting young people aged 5–25 in the United States.
Can a Principal Investigator submit multiple applications?
No. Beginning in 2026, each Principal Investigator may submit only one application per funding cycle.
Conclusion
The Research Grants Program provides significant funding for studies that strengthen evidence-informed decision-making and improve the use of research in policy and practice. By supporting innovative strategies, research-practice partnerships, and investigations into the impact of research use, the program aims to improve outcomes for young people aged 5–25 across the United States while advancing the field of evidence utilization and research-driven policy development.
For more information, visit William T. Grant Foundation.