Helen M. Robinson Grant
Helen M. Robinson Grant supports doctoral students beginning dissertation research in reading and literacy, funding research expenses for studies with potential significance for literacy research and practice.
Funder: International Literacy Association
Due Dates: February 1, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. ET (Full application)
Funding Amounts: Up to US$500; projects must be completed within two years of the award
Summary: Supports doctoral students planning or beginning dissertation research in reading and literacy.
Key Information: All applicants, including coapplicants, must maintain ILA membership in good standing through June 30, 2028.
Description
The International Literacy Association (ILA) Helen M. Robinson Grant supports doctoral students in the early stages of dissertation research in reading and literacy. Established in 1991 in memory of Helen M. Robinson and funded by a donation from Sam Weintraub, the grant provides modest research support for students planning or beginning their dissertations, rather than recognizing a completed study.
The program prioritizes proposal excellence, including a well-developed research question, supporting rationale and literature, appropriate methodology, and potential significance for literacy research and practice. A blind review by the Helen M. Robinson Grant Committee leads to funding recommendations for final approval by the ILA Board of Directors. An award is made only when the committee identifies a high-quality application meeting the program’s standards.
