[Spencer Foundation](https://www.spencer.org)

June 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)

Award size varies by project; indirect costs allowed only for budgets over $75,000 (up to 15% of direct costs).

Supports innovative, field-initiated research projects that advance understanding of education in diverse contexts.

--- ## Description The Spencer Foundation’s Research Grants program supports field-initiated research projects that aim to advance knowledge and understanding of education, broadly conceived. The foundation seeks to encourage innovative, high-quality studies that contribute new insights to educational theory, policy, and practice. Projects may address a wide range of educational topics, including learning processes, teaching methods, systemic improvement, equity, and more. The program is open to diverse research designs and methodologies, and welcomes proposals from both U.S. and international organizations. --- ## Due Dates - June 2026 (Full application deadline, anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Award size varies by project scope; there is no fixed minimum or maximum. - For grants of $75,000 or less, indirect costs are not allowed. - For grants over $75,000, indirect costs up to 15% of total direct costs may be included. - Indirect cost limits apply to both lead and subcontracting organizations, with the total not to exceed 15% of the overall direct costs. --- ## Eligibility - Principal Investigators (PIs) and Co-PIs must hold an earned doctorate in an academic discipline or professional field. - Graduate students may participate as team members, but cannot serve as PI or Co-PI. - The Spencer Foundation does not award grants directly to individuals; applications must be submitted by an eligible administering organization (e.g., university, college, research organization, school district, 501(c)(3) non-profit, or equivalent international organization). - International organizations are eligible; those without U.S. IRS non-profit status will be required to obtain an Equivalency Determination certificate if selected for funding. - PIs and Co-PIs may not hold more than one active Spencer research grant at a time (with some exceptions for Vision Grants). - Dual submissions to multiple Spencer programs for the same project are not allowed. --- ## Application Process - Proposals must be submitted through an eligible administering organization, with sign-off from an authorized organizational representative. - Applicants must comply with Spencer Foundation’s policy on the ethical use of generative AI and research integrity. - Required documents typically include a project narrative, budget, CVs of key personnel, and institutional documentation; refer to the [Applicant Information and Policies](https://www.spencer.org/resources/Applicant-Information-and-Policies) page for full details. - International applicants should be prepared to work with Spencer Foundation and NGOSource for equivalency certification if funded. --- ## Additional Information - Indirect costs are strictly limited and certain institutional infrastructure costs are not allowable. - Applicants are encouraged to review the [Resources and Tools for Applicants](https://www.spencer.org/for-applicants) for guidance on proposal preparation. - The foundation values research that bridges theory and practice and addresses equity and transformation in education. --- ## External Links - [Spencer Foundation Research Grants Overview](https://www.spencer.org/research-grants) - [Applicant Information and Policies](https://www.spencer.org/resources/Applicant-Information-and-Policies) - [Resources and Tools for Applicants](https://www.spencer.org/for-applicants) - [Spencer Foundation AI Policy](https://www.spencer.org/resources/policy-on-the-use-of-generative-ai-at-the-spencer-foundation) --- ## Contact Information | Method | Details | |----------------|-----------------------------------------------------------| | Email | info@spencer.org | | Phone | +1 312-337-7000 | | Contact Form | [Spencer Foundation Contact Page](https://www.spencer.org/contact) | | Address | 625 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60611, USA | ---

Research Grants - Spencer Foundation

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