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

December 10, 2025: Applications open | July 7, 2026: Full Proposal (by invitation) deadline

$125,000–$500,000 per grant; project duration 1–5 years; 15% indirect costs allowed.

Supports rigorous, field-initiated education research projects with broad impact, across disciplines and methods.

Pre-proposal submission required; full proposals accepted by invitation only.

--- ## Description The Large Research Grants on Education Program from the Spencer Foundation funds ambitious, field-initiated research projects that aim to advance foundational knowledge and address pressing questions in education. The program is open to a wide range of disciplines and methodologies—including quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods, ethnographies, design-based research, participatory approaches, and historical research. Projects may focus on any aspect of education, broadly conceived, and are encouraged to be creative, multidisciplinary, and impactful across educational settings and life stages. The program values deep inquiry, methodological diversity, and thoughtful dissemination plans to maximize the influence of research findings on practice, policy, and public engagement. --- ## Due Dates - December 10, 2025: Applications open (start of annual application cycle) - July 7, 2026: Full Proposal (by invitation) deadline — full proposal due by 12:00 PM Noon Central Time Applicants must first submit a pre-proposal; full proposals are accepted by invitation following review. --- ## Funding Amount - Grants range from $125,000 to $500,000. - Project duration: 1 to 5 years. - Funding is distributed across three tiers: $125,000–$250,000; $250,001–$375,000; $375,001–$500,000. - Indirect costs: Up to 15% of total direct costs may be included. - Budgets should be well-justified and tailored to project needs. --- ## Eligibility - Principal Investigators (PIs) and Co-PIs must have an earned doctorate in an academic discipline or professional field. - PIs must be affiliated with a non-profit or public/governmental institution willing to serve as the administering organization; grants are not made directly to individuals. - Eligible administering organizations include non-profit or public colleges, universities, school districts, research facilities, and recognized non-profits (including international equivalents). - Proposals are accepted from both U.S. and international organizations; all submissions must be in English and budgets in U.S. dollars. - Graduate students may participate but may not serve as PI or Co-PI. - PIs and Co-PIs may only hold one active Spencer research grant at a time (with some exceptions for Vision Grants). - Projects must focus on education research; activities such as program evaluation, curriculum development, or tech platform development without a significant research component are not eligible. - Project duration may not exceed 5 years. --- ## Application Process - **Step 1: Pre-Proposal Submission** - Register and apply via the [Spencer Foundation online portal](https://spencer.smartsimple.us/). - Submit a pre-proposal (max 1250 words), including narrative, references, team description, timeline, and draft budget. - Pre-proposals are reviewed, and applicants receive feedback. - **Step 2: Full Proposal (by invitation only)** - Invited applicants submit a detailed full proposal, including a comprehensive narrative (max 5000 words), budget and justification, team description, and project timeline. - Full proposals must address the project's significance, conceptual framework, methods, dissemination plans, and ethical considerations. - **Additional Requirements** - Disclosure of generative AI use is required per [Spencer Foundation AI policy](https://www.spencer.org/resources/policy-on-the-use-of-generative-ai-at-the-spencer-foundation). - Adherence to Spencer's [statement on research integrity and professional ethics](https://www.spencer.org/resources/spencer-foundation-statement-on-research-integrity-and-professional-ethics) is expected. - Indirect cost policy: up to 15% of direct costs. - For international organizations, an Equivalency Determination certificate may be required if funded. --- ## Additional Information - Only one proposal or pre-proposal may be under consideration per PI/Co-PI in Spencer's research grant programs at any time. - Organizational sign-off is required at the full proposal stage. - Projects must be designed with a clear research component and potential for significant impact on educational research, policy, or practice. - The program encourages multidisciplinary and multigenerational teams. --- ## External Links - [Program Overview and Application Portal](https://www.spencer.org/grant_types/large-research-grant) - [Spencer Foundation Home](https://www.spencer.org) - [Applicant Information and Policies](https://www.spencer.org/resources/Applicant-Information-and-Policies) - [Policy on the Use of Generative AI](https://www.spencer.org/resources/policy-on-the-use-of-generative-ai-at-the-spencer-foundation) - [Research Integrity and Professional Ethics](https://www.spencer.org/resources/spencer-foundation-statement-on-research-integrity-and-professional-ethics) - [Spencer Foundation Research Grants](https://www.spencer.org/research-grants) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Web Contact Form | |----------------------|------------------------------------|------------------|------------------------------------------------| | Maricelle Garcia (Program Contact) | largegrants@spencer.org | +1 312-337-7000 | [Contact Spencer Foundation](https://www.spencer.org/contact) | | General Inquiries | info@spencer.org | +1 312-337-7000 | [Contact Spencer Foundation](https://www.spencer.org/contact) |

Research Grants on Education: Large

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