[William T. Grant Foundation](https://wtgrantfoundation.org)

June 10, 2026 (Mentor and reference letter deadline) | June 30, 2026 (Full application deadline)

$425,000 per Scholar over five years; 4–6 awards annually; up to 7.5% indirect costs allowed.

Supports early-career researchers to expand expertise and conduct innovative research on reducing youth inequality or improving the use of research evidence.

--- ## Description The William T. Grant Scholars Program is a prestigious career development award for promising early-career researchers seeking to expand their expertise and impact in new disciplines, methods, or content areas. The program funds five-year research and mentoring plans focused on two core areas: (1) reducing inequality in academic, social, behavioral, or economic outcomes for young people ages 5–25 in the United States, and (2) improving the use of research evidence in ways that benefit this population. Scholars join a supportive cohort, attend annual retreats, and can apply for additional mentoring awards, particularly to foster diversity and support junior researchers of color. The program aims to cultivate a diverse, influential community of researchers addressing complex challenges facing youth. --- ## Due Dates - **June 10, 2026:** Mentor and reference letter deadline (by 3:00 PM ET) - **June 30, 2026:** Full application deadline (by 3:00 PM ET) Applicants are strongly encouraged to begin the application process early to ensure mentors and references have sufficient time to submit required letters. --- ## Funding Amount - **Award Amount:** $425,000 per Scholar, paid over five years (including up to 7.5% indirect costs) - **Number of Awards:** 4–6 Scholars selected annually - **Funding Restrictions:** - Indirect costs may not exceed 7.5% of total direct costs. - Salary requests must not exceed 50% of the total salary received from the sponsoring institution. - The award may not replace institutional support for the applicant’s research. - Funds may be used for research-related expenses, including summer salary, research assistants, equipment, and travel. --- ## Eligibility ### Eligible Organizations - Must be tax-exempt organizations (e.g., universities, nonprofit research institutions). - Grants are not made to individuals directly. - Proposals are encouraged from under-represented institutions, including HBCUs, Hispanic-serving Institutions, Tribal Colleges, Alaska Native-Serving Institutions, Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions, and Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions. ### Eligible Applicants - Must be nominated by their institution; only one applicant per major division (e.g., College of Arts and Sciences, Medical School) per year. - Must have received their doctorate within seven years of the application deadline (in medicine, within seven years of completing the first residency). - Must be in a career-ladder position (e.g., tenure-track or equivalent with a pathway to research advancement and organizational fiscal responsibility). - Not intended for students or postdoctoral fellows; the award may not be used as a postdoctoral fellowship. - Applicants outside the U.S. are eligible if their research has compelling policy or practice implications for U.S. youth. - At least 50% of the Scholar’s paid time must be devoted to research during the award period. - The program encourages applications from researchers who are Black or African American, Indigenous, Latinx, and/or Asian or Pacific Islander American. --- ## Application Process - **Nomination:** Applicants must be nominated by their institution. - **Online Submission:** All materials must be submitted via the Foundation’s online application system. - **Required Materials:** - Abstract (6 pages max) - Full research and mentoring plan (40 pages max; includes a detailed five-year research plan and mentoring plan) - Mentor letters (1–2 mentors for the first two years; letters due by June 10, 2026) - Three reference letters (not from mentors; due by June 10, 2026) - Nominating statement from the dean or equivalent - Endorsement from the institutional office of sponsored research - Budget and budget justification (using Foundation forms) - Abridged and full CVs - Two relevant publications - Resubmission and independence letters if applicable - **Review Process:** - Initial screening by Foundation staff. - Detailed review by the Scholars Selection Committee. - Finalists (~10) are invited for interviews in New York City (February 2027). - Awards announced by March 2027; funding begins July 1 of the award year. --- ## Additional Information - **Focus Areas:** - *Reducing Inequality*: Research on programs, policies, or practices that reduce disparities for youth ages 5–25, focusing on race, ethnicity, economic standing, sexual/gender minority status, language minority status, or immigrant origins. - *Improving the Use of Research Evidence*: Research on strategies to enhance the use, usefulness, and impact of research evidence in policy and practice affecting youth. - **Professional Development:** Annual retreats, workshops, and additional mentoring awards (especially to support junior researchers of color). - **Mentoring:** Strong, detailed mentoring plans are required; mentors receive a $500 honorarium for annual reports. --- ## External Links - [Program Guidelines & Overview](https://wtgrantfoundation.org/funding/william-t-grant-scholars-program) - [2026 Application Guidelines (PDF)](https://wtgrantfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026-Application-Guide-WTG-Scholars.pdf) - [Applicant Resources](https://wtgrantfoundation.org/funding/william-t-grant-scholars-program/applicant-resources) - [FAQ](https://wtgrantfoundation.org/funding/william-t-grant-scholars-program/faq) - [Application Forms](https://wtgrantfoundation.org/funding/william-t-grant-scholars-program/applicant-resources#application-forms) - [Contact Page](https://wtgrantfoundation.org/contact) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |---------------------|----------------------------------------------| | Email | info@wtgrantfdn.org | | Phone | +1 212-752-0071 | | Mailing Address | 60 East 42nd Street, 43rd Floor, New York, NY 10165, USA | | General Contact | [Contact Form](https://wtgrantfoundation.org/contact) | ---

William T. Grant Scholars Program

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