Open
Last Update: May 28, 2026
Funding available
$ 50,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
This program funds education research projects that aim to improve education, with support of up to $50,000 for projects lasting one to five years. It supports field-initiated research proposals on education, including related research methods and topics.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Conduct research and development activities
- Conduct research or evaluation activities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 50,000 $
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Educational services
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Higher Education
- Other Education
- Research
Target groups
- Academia / students
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- National
- International
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Research projects aimed at studying education
- Field-initiated education research
- Projects using quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods, ethnographic, computational, design-based, participatory, or historical approaches
Documents Needed
- Proposal narrative PDF
- Project timeline PDF
- Project team document PDF
- Budget and budget justification
- CVs for the PI and Co-PIs
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Non-profit organizations
- Public or governmental institutions
- Colleges, universities, school districts, and research facilities
Who is not eligible
- Individual applicants
- Graduate students as PI or Co-PI
- Organizations without non-profit or public status
- Projects focused on topics other than education
Eligible expenses
- Personnel salaries and benefits
- Consultant or advisor fees
- Travel costs
- Equipment, software, and supplies
- Participant stipends and subcontract costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Program evaluations without a significant research component
- Professional development programs without a significant research component
- Curricula or assessment tools without a significant research component
- Scholarships
- Capital projects and software development
Eligible geographic areas
- United States
- International applicants
- Canada, occasionally
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed through the Spencer Foundation online portal.
- The application includes review-related materials such as appendices and writing guides.
- Applicants must acknowledge the foundation’s AI policy when submitting.
- Funding is not guaranteed and is subject to the foundation’s review process.
Additional information
- Applications are accepted twice a year.
- Proposals must be submitted in English.
- Budgets must be proposed in U.S. dollars.
- The online portal includes the full Request for Proposal and applicant resources.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Research Grants on Education: Small Program
What is the Research Grants on Education: Small?
This program funds education research projects that aim to improve education, with support of up to $50,000 for projects lasting one to five years. It supports field-initiated research proposals on education, including related research methods and topics.
How much funding can be received?
Research Grants on Education: Small Funds up to $50,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Research Grants on Education: Small program?
To be eligible for the Research Grants on Education: Small program, you must:
Education research project
Doctoral-level PI and Co-PIs
Non-profit or public administering organization
What expenses are eligible under Research Grants on Education: Small?
Research projects aimed at studying education
Field-initiated education research
Projects using quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods, ethnographic, computational, design-based, participatory, or historical approaches
Who can I contact for more information about the Research Grants on Education: Small?
You can contact The Spencer Foundation by email at mgarcia@spencer.org.
Where is the Research Grants on Education: Small available?
The Research Grants on Education: Small program is available across Canada.
Is the Research Grants on Education: Small a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Research Grants on Education: Small is a Researchers And Facilities