Call for LOIs: Spencer Foundation Research Grants on Education (Up to $500,000)

Application Deadline: February 24, 2026

The Spencer Foundation is inviting scholars and researchers worldwide to submit Letters of Intent (LOIs) for its Research Grants on Education. This prestigious program supports ambitious, high-quality studies that deepen understanding and improve educational policy and practice across global contexts.

Beginning in 2026, the program will transition to a single annual funding cycle while expanding the number of projects supported. Successful applicants will receive grants ranging from $125,000 to $500,000 for research projects lasting between one and five years.

This initiative reflects the Spencer Foundation’s mission to fund groundbreaking research that shapes the future of education. Scholars are encouraged to request budgets that genuinely match the scope and scale of their proposed studies, rather than simply applying for the maximum award.

Program Overview

The Research Grants on Education program is fully field-initiated, giving scholars the freedom to design their own research questions, methods, and frameworks. The Foundation seeks to support projects that are rigorous, intellectually ambitious, and innovative, contributing meaningful insights to the field of education.

The program welcomes studies that explore learning and development across different life stages and environments — from classrooms and workplaces to homes, communities, and recreational spaces. Strong proposals will demonstrate conceptual depth, originality, and the potential to advance lasting knowledge in education.

Areas of Focus

Applications are open to researchers from a wide range of disciplines, including:

• Education
• Sociology
• Anthropology
• Psychology
• Law
• Economics
• Philosophy
• History
• Neuroscience, and related fields

The Spencer Foundation particularly values methodological diversity. Projects using quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods, ethnographic, participatory, design-based, or historical approaches are encouraged. Proposals involving multidisciplinary teams, collaborations with practitioners, or community-engaged research will receive special consideration.

Expectations and Impact

Researchers are expected to clearly articulate how their findings will influence educational practice, shape policy, or contribute to broader public understanding. The Foundation prioritizes projects that show potential for long-term impact and demonstrate strong plans for dissemination.

The program seeks to elevate studies that generate new perspectives on critical educational issues — whether through advancing theory, challenging existing paradigms, or providing evidence-based insights for decision-makers and educators.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for funding:

• The Principal Investigator (PI) and any Co-Investigators must hold a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent).
• Applicants must be affiliated with a nonprofit or public institution capable of managing grant funds.
• Proposals must focus strictly on education research and cannot include program implementation, curriculum development, or technology creation.
• Applications are open to scholars worldwide, but proposals must be written in English and include budgets in U.S. dollars.
• Each project may run for a maximum of five years.
• Applicants may hold only one active Spencer research grant at a time.

Why Apply

This call represents an exceptional opportunity for education researchers to secure substantial funding for innovative, high-impact studies. With awards reaching up to $500,000, recipients gain the resources and institutional support needed to pursue bold research questions, collaborate across disciplines, and contribute to global educational advancement.

The Spencer Foundation continues to play a critical role in promoting equity, excellence, and innovation in education through its long-standing commitment to supporting evidence-based research.

Grant Details:

• Donor: Spencer Foundation
• Grant Amount: $125,000 – $500,000
• Duration: 1–5 years
• Deadline for LOIs: February 24, 2026

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE

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