Spencer Foundation Large Research Grants on Education Program 2025
The Spencer Foundation invites proposals for its Large Research Grants on Education Program 2025. This prestigious funding opportunity supports groundbreaking education research aimed at improving learning experiences across diverse settings, including classrooms, workplaces, communities, and even recreational environments.
About the Grant
The program emphasizes the broad spectrum of educational contexts where meaningful learning occurs. Researchers are encouraged to explore topics ranging from classroom practices to the impact of education in families, communities, and beyond. Successful proposals will thoughtfully outline how their findings may influence policy, practice, and public understanding, ensuring the research generates significant impact across the education field.
Funding Details
- Grant Amount: Awards range from $125,000 to $500,000.
- Project Duration: 1–5 years, depending on the scope and scale of the research.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Research Focus: Projects must strictly address education research; proposals for activities such as curriculum development, scholarships, or program evaluations are ineligible.
- Principal Investigator (PI): The PI or Co-PI must hold a doctorate or possess equivalent expertise in an education-related research field. While graduate students may join the team, they cannot serve as PI or Co-PI.
- Institutional Affiliation: The PI must be affiliated with a non-profit organization or public institution, such as a university, school district, or research institute. Grants are not awarded directly to individuals.
- International Applicants: Submissions from global applicants are welcome, provided proposals are written in English and budgets are presented in U.S. Dollars.
Review Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following key aspects:
- Significance: Does the research address an important educational issue and present meaningful questions?
- Theoretical Connection: How well does the study align with existing research and theory?
- Design Quality: Are the research methods robust, aligned with the study’s goals, and appropriately detailed?
- Budget and Timeline: Are the proposed budget and timeline realistic and proportional to the project’s scope?
- Project Team: Does the team have the expertise to execute the project and share the findings effectively?
- Dissemination Plan: How strong are the plans to share findings through publications, policy recommendations, or public discourse?
Application Process
To begin, submit an Intent to Apply form via the Spencer Foundation’s online portal. After approval, applicants can access the full proposal application. Deadline for the Intent to Apply form: 12:00 PM Central Time, January 14, 2025.
Why Apply?
The Spencer Foundation’s program offers a unique platform to fund research that can shape the future of education. With the potential for up to $500,000 in funding, this grant is ideal for scholars aiming to make a profound impact in the education field.
