Spencer Foundation

Small Research Grants Program

• Award: up to $50,000 total for up to 5 years
• Deadline: December 15, 2025 by 1 p.m. Internal deadline: All materials to Office of Sponsored Programs by Friday, December 5.
• Immediate Action: Interested faculty should submit a Research Proposal Request Form as soon as possible.

Full RFP

Overview

This program supports rigorous, field-initiated research projects that contribute to the improvement of education across diverse contexts. Some examples including education, philosophy, law, economics, and history, among others. There is no specific research topic, discipline, design, method or location required.

The Foundation welcomes a wide range of methodologies, including qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods, and interdisciplinary approaches. 

Important Information

PI and Co-PI must hold a doctorate in the their academic field of study. Graduate students may participate, but cannot lead the project. Applicant may not hold more than one active Spencer grant at a time.
Process

This is a direct-to-proposal opportunity and will be administered by the Office of Sponsored Programs. Interested faculty should submit a Research Proposal Request Form as soon as possible to be assigned a research administrator.