Proposals Invited for Small Research Grants on Education Program 2026 by Spencer Foundation, The Small Research Grants on Education Program offers funding of up to $50,000 for education-focused research projects lasting between one and five years. Applications are accepted twice annually.

As a field-initiated program, it does not require proposals to align with any predetermined topic, method, discipline, or geographic area. Its purpose is to support rigorous, innovative, and methodologically strong research that addresses significant challenges and emerging opportunities within the education sector.

Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the full details and submit their applications before the specified deadline to seize this grant opportunity.

Last Date of Submission: 15^th April 2026

Eligibility for Proposals Invited for Small Research Grants on Education Program 2026 by Spencer Foundation

Project Requirements

• Must focus on research in education.
• Non-research activities are not eligible (e.g., program evaluations without research, curriculum or tool development, scholarships, software development, capital projects).
• Research outside the field of education is not allowed.

Applicant Requirements

• Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-PI must have an earned doctorate.
• Graduate students can participate but cannot be PI or Co-PI.
• PI must be affiliated with a non-profit or public institution able to manage the grant (e.g., universities, school districts, research organizations, NGOs).
• Grants are not awarded to individuals directly.

Location & Submission

• Open to applicants in the U.S. and internationally.
• Proposals must be submitted in English with budgets in U.S. dollars.

Restrictions for Proposals Invited for Small Research Grants on Education Program 2026 by Spencer Foundation

• Maximum budget: $50,000, with no indirect costs allowed.
• Optional supplemental funding can be requested for course release.
• Project duration must be 5 years or less.
• PI/Co-PI may hold only one active Spencer research grant at a time.
• PI/Co-PI may only submit one proposal across all Spencer programs at a time (Small Grants, Large Grants, Racial Equity, RPP).
• Must wait for a decision on an existing proposal before submitting a new one.
• Exception: Vision Grants — PIs/Co-PIs can apply even if they have an active Spencer grant or a proposal under review, but the project must be distinct from the other one.

Proposal Elements for Proposals Invited for Small Research Grants on Education Program 2026 by Spencer Foundation

1. Project Personnel

• Creator of the application is automatically the Principal Investigator (PI).
• Co-PIs can be added (after they complete required registration steps).
• Must confirm PI/Co-PIs do not have other Spencer proposals under review.

2. Proposal Summary

• Includes:
  • Project title
  • Start & end dates
  • Central research questions
  • 200-word project summary

3. Budget & Budget Justification

• Budget categories include:
  Salaries, Benefits, Collaborators, Travel, Equipment/Software,
  Project Expenses, Other, Subcontracts
• Each line item must include a budget narrative/justification.
• Subcontracts require a separate subcontract budget form for each partner.

4. Proposal Narrative (PDF Upload)

Must include:

• Description of the project, research questions, and significance.
• Rationale & literature review + contribution to education.
• Conceptual/theoretical framework guiding the study.
• Detailed research methods:
  • Participants
  • Data collection tools
  • Analysis procedures
  • Sampling details, design, context, measures, constructs, etc.

Format Requirements:

• Max 1800 words (excluding references).
• Double-spaced, 12-point font (APA preferred).
• Tables/figures allowed but must be explained in the narrative.

5. AI Agreement & Disclosure

• Must acknowledge and agree to Spencer Foundation’s AI use policy within the application portal.

6. Project Timeline (PDF Upload)

• Shows project start/end dates + key milestones.
• Must align with activities in the narrative.
• Max 1 page, 12-point font.
• Projects can last up to 5 years.
• Start date should be at least 8 months after submission.

7. Project Team (PDF Upload)

• 250-word document describing:
  • Roles and responsibilities of PI, Co-PIs, researchers
  • Team expertise
  • Collaboration approach
  • Relationship to research site (if relevant)
• Reviewed alongside the CVs of PI/Co-PIs.

8. Optional Supplemental Course Release

(Up to $10,000 extra, total project max = $60,000)

Eligibility:

• PI or Co-PI must teach 6+ courses per academic year.
• Funds can only be used for one course release.

Additional Requirements:

1. Include amount + justification in the budget section.
2. Upload a 250-word Course Release Rationale Statement.
3. Upload a Dean/Chair letter confirming:
   • Scholar teaches 6+ courses per year
   • Scholar will be released from 1 course if funded
   • Course release cost is accurate for the institution

How to apply?

Proposals Invited pn our online application portal you’ll find the full Request For Proposal and other applicant resources such as optional appendices, our review process, frequently asked questions, and writing guides.

To review these resources and to apply, please visit https://spencer.smartsimple.us/.or

Note: For more comprehensive details click the link below

Get full access to the grant information, visit the Official Website Link

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