The Small Research Grants on Education Program supports well-designed research projects in education. This grant is ideal for scholars and research teams developing defined studies that require modest funding but can make meaningful contributions to education research. The program deadline is April 15, 2026.
About The Small Research Grants on Education Program
The Small Research Grants on Education Program, administered by the Spencer Foundation, provides field-initiated funding. Researchers propose questions they identify as important instead of responding to a fixed thematic call. This allows projects across disciplines, methods, and educational contexts, provided the work qualifies as education research.
The grant supports research activities that generate new knowledge. Projects are empirical, theoretical, conceptual, or methodological. Initiatives based on implementation, training, professional development, curriculum design, or service delivery are not eligible unless integrated within a rigorous research framework.
Projects will cover education across the lifespan, including early childhood, K–12, higher education, adult education, informal learning, and community-based settings. Both domestic and international research projects are eligible, provided they align with the foundation’s definition of education research.
Funding Size
- Typical grant amount: Up to $50,000
- Maximum funding allowed: $50,000 per project
- Project duration supported: Up to five years
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Who Can Apply for the Small Research Grants on Education Program
Eligible organisation types
- Non-profit organisations capable of administering research grants
- Public institutions such as universities, colleges, or school districts
- Independent research institutions with non-profit status
- International organisations with legal status equivalent to a public or non-profit entity
Registration or legal documents
- Proof of non-profit or public legal status
- Formal institutional affiliation for the Principal Investigator and Co-Investigators
- Institutional approval to submit and manage the grant
- Ability to submit budgets and financial reports in United States dollars
Project focus requirements
- Projects must be research-focused to create new knowledge
- Research must address education broadly defined
- Activities focused mainly on implementation or service delivery are not eligible
- Graduate students may participate, but cannot serve as Principal Investigator or Co-Principal Investigator
Geographic eligibility
- Applications accepted from any country
- Research can be conducted in any geographic location
- International and cross-national studies are eligible
- No regional restrictions apply to the project focus
Sector or thematic focus
- Education policy, systems, and governance
- Teaching, learning, and instructional practices
- Educational equity, access, and inclusion
- Assessment, measurement, and learning outcomes
Application Process
- Submit proposals via the Spencer Foundation online application portal
- Register an account and complete the online proposal form
- Upload all supporting documents, including research plan, budget, and team information
- Submissions are reviewed for completeness before peer review
- Only one proposal per Principal Investigator is allowed per cycle
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Required Materials
- A detailed research proposal outlining objectives, questions, and methodology
- A clear project timeline and work plan
- A detailed budget with justification
- Information on the research team and institutional affiliation
Key Dates
- Applications Open: January 26, 2026
- Full Proposal Deadline: April 15, 2026, at 12:00 noon Central Time (North America)
- The review and assessment period follows the submission
Selection Notes
- Competition level: Highly competitive
- Scope focus: Clear and well-defined education research questions with strong methodology
- Exceptions or exclusions: Projects focused mainly on training, implementation, or program delivery are excluded
Official Source of the Small Research Grants on Education Program
- Official Application Page: https://spencer.smartsimple.us/s_Login.jsp
