Institutional Challenge Grant
Funds collaborative university-public agency research partnerships to reduce inequality in youth outcomes by fostering institutional change and building capacity for sustained, impactful research.
Funder: William T. Grant Foundation
Due Dates: September 9, 2026 (Full application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $650,000 over three years per award; at least two grants awarded annually; includes planning, mid-career fellowships, and partnership support
Summary: Funds university-public agency partnerships to create institutional change and reduce inequality in youth outcomes through collaborative, sustained research.
Key Information: Requires an existing or developing research-practice partnership between a university-based research center and a U.S. public agency or nonprofit serving youth ages 5–25.
Description
This opportunity supports university-based research institutes, schools, or centers in partnering with public agencies or nonprofit organizations to build sustained, mutually beneficial research-practice partnerships. The goal is to reduce inequality in youth outcomes (ages 5–25) in the United States by fostering institutional change within research institutions to value collaborative research, building the capacity of both researchers and agency partners, and addressing internal barriers to long-term partnership success. Funded projects are expected to pursue a joint research agenda, implement strategies for institutional change, and enhance the ability of both partners to use research evidence to benefit youth.
