The Foundation's research grants are organized under four areas of inquiry that identify broad topics we believe have fundamental and abiding importance for educational improvement.
The Relation Between Education and Social Opportunity
Organizational Learning in Schools, School Systems, and Higher Education Systems
Teaching, Learning, and Instructional Resources
Purposes and Values of Education
We also welcome proposals that do not fit one of the four areas listed through our Field-Initiated Proposal program.
The Foundation’s Strategic Initiatives reflect our commitment to specific, measureable investigations that range from five to ten years.
The New Civics Initiative
Data Use and Educational Improvement
Philosophy in Educational Policy and Practice
We also support short-term projects that address particular questions relevant to our work, as well as Exploratory Projects that have potential of developing into strategic initiatives.
Forum for Excellence and Innovation in Higher Education
Joint Project for the Measurement of Classroom Quality
Joint Project for Undergraduate Education
Educational Inequality Task Force
If you are interested in applying for a grant from the Spencer Foundation, please click here for application guidelines.