The William T. Grant Foundation invites proposals for research grants on improving the use of research evidence by July 29, 2026. The award amounts range from $25,000 -$1,000,000. This program funds research studies that examine strategies to improve the use of research evidence in ways that benefit young people ages 5-25 in the United States. Studies should advance theory and build empirical knowledge on ways to improve the use of research evidence by policymakers, public agency leaders, organizational managers, intermediaries, community organizers, and other decision-makers that generally shape youth-serving systems in the United States.

This program funds research studies that examine strategies to improve the use of research evidence in ways that benefit young people ages 5-25 in the United States. We seek proposals for studies that advance theory and build empirical knowledge on ways to improve the use of research evidence by policymakers, public agency leaders, organizational managers, intermediaries, community organizers, and other decision-makers that generally shape youth-serving systems in the United States.

Research evidence can be a powerful resource for policymakers, agency leaders, organizational managers, and others who make high-stakes decisions that shape youth-serving systems. In addition to informing policy formation and service delivery, evidence from systematic research can deepen decision-makers’ understanding of issues, generate reliable assessment tools, support strategic planning, and guide program improvement. But only if it is used.

• $100,000 to $1,000,000 over 2-4 years, including up to 15% indirect costs.
• Studies involving secondary data analysis are at the lower end of the range (about $100,000-$300,000), whereas studies that involve new data collection can have larger budgets (typically $300,000-$600,000).
• Generally, only proposals to launch experiments in which settings (e.g., schools, child welfare agencies, justice settings) are randomly assigned to conditions are eligible for funding above $600,000.

• $25,000–$50,000 over 1-2 years, including up to 15% indirect costs.
• Studies may be stand-alone projects or may build off larger projects. The budget should be appropriate for the activities proposed.