Empowering Education Research: A Comprehensive Guide to Spencer Foundation’s Large Research Grant
Application Deadline: January 14, 2025, (12:00 pm Central Time)
The Spencer Foundation’s Large Research Grants on Education Program provides a unique opportunity for researchers to address critical challenges in education. This program supports innovative, rigorous, and impactful projects with budgets ranging from $125,000 to $500,000 over one to five years. Below is a streamlined guide to help scholars, researchers, and practitioners prepare successful proposals.
Program Highlights
Funding Details
- Budget Range: $125,000 to $500,000.
- Project Duration: 1–5 years.
- Funding Tiers:
- $125,000–$250,000.
- $250,001–$375,000.
- $375,001–$500,000.
• Tip: Proposals in lower tiers historically have better funding odds. Align budgets with actual project needs.
Key Goals
- Advance foundational knowledge in education research.
- Foster multidisciplinary and creative scholarship.
- Examine education across diverse settings (classrooms, workplaces, communities, etc.).
- Address significant issues through diverse methodologies.
Eligibility Requirements
Project Scope
- Focus: Academic research projects directly addressing education.
- Exclusions: Program evaluations, professional development, curriculum creation, scholarships, or capital projects.
Principal Investigator (PI)
- Must hold a doctorate or equivalent professional experience.
- Graduate students can participate but cannot serve as PI or Co-PI.
- Must be affiliated with a non-profit or public institution eligible to administer the grant.
Institutional Eligibility
- Examples: non-profit/public universities, school districts, or organizations with 501(c)(3) status (or international equivalent).
- International proposals: Must be in English, with budgets in U.S. dollars.
Proposal Requirements
Intent to Apply Form
- 1. Registration:
- Create or update a profile at Spencer’s Portal.
- Upload a current CV (10-page limit).
- 2. Key Elements:
- Project Personnel: List PI and Co-PIs.
- Proposal Summary: Title, duration, budget tier, central research questions, and a 200-word summary.
- Project Data: Specify disciplines, methodologies, geographical scope, topics, contexts, and participants.
Full Proposal Application
- 1. Budget and Justification:
- Total budget: $125,000–$500,000 (including up to 15% indirect costs).
- Categories: salaries, benefits, travel, equipment/software, and project expenses.
- Align the budget with the design; lower tiers may increase approval odds.
- 2. Proposal Narrative (Max 5,000 Words):
- Sections: Project description, significance, rationale, methods, participants, data collection/analysis, and dissemination plans.
- Format: Double-spaced, APA style preferred, with references, tables, and figures as needed.
- 3. Other Components:
- Project Timeline: 1-page PDF outlining key milestones.
- Project Team: 800-word description of roles, expertise, and collaboration.
- Optional Appendices: Scientific instruments, supporting documents, or ethical approaches.
- RB Approval: Required before funding if applicable.
- Recommended Reviewers: Suggest 3–5 experts.
- Authorized Representative Signature: Secure electronic approval before the deadline.
Timeline:
- Approximately 11 months from the Intent to Apply deadline.
Evaluation Criteria:
- Significance of the Project: Centrality to education, importance of topic, and quality of inquiry.
- Connection to Research and Theory: Depth of literature review and responsiveness to prior work.
- Research Design: Alignment of design with research questions and overall sophistication.
- Budget and Timeline: Feasibility and appropriateness for the funding tier.
- Project Team: Capability to execute and disseminate findings.
- Dissemination Plans: Strategies for sharing findings through academic and public channels.
Key Considerations for Success
- Impact: Emphasize how findings will influence practice, policy, or public discourse.
- Team Composition: Highlight collaboration and mentorship among team members.
- Budget Alignment: Ensure alignment with project design and avoid unnecessary inflation.
- Methodological Diversity: Showcase innovative and relevant approaches.
Submission Tips
- Start early to meet all requirements, including obtaining necessary signatures.
- Carefully construct budgets and narratives to align with program goals and review criteria.
- Submit all forms and documents by 12:00 PM Central Time on the due date.
Application Deadlines
- Applications Open: December 3, 2024
- Intent to Apply Deadline: January 14, 2025, by 12:00 pm (Noon, Central Time)
- Full Proposal Submission Deadline: February 11, 2025, by 12:00 pm (Noon, Central Time)
Click HERE to Apply Now
This grant program is a rare chance for researchers to contribute meaningfully to education through groundbreaking studies. By aligning proposals with the program’s values—rigor, creativity, and impact—scholars can position themselves for success while advancing the field of education research.
