The Spencer Foundation invests in education research that cultivates learning and transforms lives.  The Spencer Foundation research grants are not designed for applicants to respond to a specific request – they are what you, scholars in the field, think we need to know more about.

Current and Upcoming Opportunities

Racial Equity Research Grants

Applications for the Racial Equity Research Grants are now open!  The Spencer Foundation is encouraging proposals on innovative forms of measurement and assessment, AI, and current political challenges in k-12 and higher education around DEI.   Applications with project budgets up to $75,000  and project periods of one to five years are being accepted.  For more information, please visit: Racial Equity Research Grants

• Applications Open: March 18, 2024
• Intent to Apply Form Deadline: May 29, 2024, 12:00 PM Noon (Central/Chicago Time)
• Full Proposal Deadline: June 27, 2024, 12:00 PM Noon (Central/Chicago Time)

Small Research Grant

The Spencer Foundation is accepting applications for the Small Research Grants on Education Program until April 30.  The Spencer Foundation supports field-initiated education research projects with budgets of up to $50,000 for project periods of one to three years. For more information, please visit: Research Grants on Education: Small

• Applications Open: February 23, 2024
• Full Proposal Deadline: April 30, 2024 (12:00 noon Central Time)

Large Research Grants- Opening Soon!

The Large Research Grants on Education Program supports education research projects that will contribute to the improvement of education, broadly conceived, with budgets ranging from $125,000 to $500,000 for projects ranging from one to five years. For more information, please visit Research Grants on Education: Large

• Applications Open: April 3, 2024
• Intent to Apply: May 22, 2024, 12:00 PM Noon (Central/USA Time)
• Full Proposal Deadline: June 18, 2024, 12:00 PM Noon (Central/USA Time)

Please reach out to our office if you are interested in applying!