Research Grants on Education: Small
The Spencer Foundation's Small Research Grants on Education fund innovative research to advance understanding and improvement of education across diverse contexts, disciplines, and methods.
Funder: Spencer Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2026 | March 2027
Funding Amounts: Up to $50,000 per project (up to 5 years); eligible PIs may request an additional $10,000 for course release (total max $60,000).
Summary: Supports rigorous, field-initiated research projects that advance understanding and improvement of education across diverse contexts, topics, and methods.
Key Information: No indirect costs allowed; proposals must be submitted by non-profit/public institutions (not individuals).
Description
The Small Research Grants on Education Program from the Spencer Foundation funds innovative, rigorous research projects that contribute to the improvement of education in varied contexts. This field-initiated program encourages proposals from all disciplines and methodological traditions, supporting both domestic and international projects. It is open to scholars at all career stages and values creative, open-minded scholarship that explores foundational questions in education. Projects can address any aspect of education, broadly conceived, and may involve collaboration with practitioners or community members.
