The Spencer Foundation invests in educational research aimed at improving education with a broad focus on equity. It emphasizes innovative, interdisciplinary, and large-scale projects designed to transform educational systems toward greater equity.
The Large Research Grants on Education Program aims to support significant education research projects that propose to enhance education in a broad sense. The program offers funding in three tiers: $125,000 to $250,000; $250,001 to $375,000; and $375,001 to $500,000 for projects lasting one to five years. The initiative encourages applicants to seek funding that aligns closely with their project needs rather than merely aiming for the highest amount possible. This "field-initiated" program is designed to back rigorous, ambitious, and methodologically sound research that addresses critical questions and explores key opportunities within the realm of education. Applicants are welcome to submit Intent to Apply forms bi-annually, without the constraint of adhering to predetermined research topics, disciplines, methods, or locales.