LEVANTE Framework Grant

The Open Call for Proposals under the LEVANTE framework is administered by the Jacobs Foundation, a private philanthropic organization based in Zurich that focuses on advancing research and practice related to child and youth development. Through this initiative, the foundation is committing up to USD 6 million to support a global network of research projects that contribute to the Learning Variability Network Exchange (LEVANTE). The foundation’s broader mission emphasizes scientific excellence, international collaboration, and the generation of knowledge that improves learning outcomes for children worldwide, particularly through understanding variability in development. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support research that investigates how individual variability, group heterogeneity, and contextual factors influence children’s learning and development. LEVANTE aims to build a large-scale, cross-cultural, longitudinal dataset by coordinating research efforts across multiple countries and contexts. The program requires participating projects to collect standardized data using the LEVANTE core assessment measures, enabling comparative and integrative analyses across diverse populations. The initiative is especially focused on children aged 3 to 12 years and seeks to generate insights that can inform educators, policymakers, and researchers globally. Funding is structured across three categories: regular projects with budgets up to USD 250,000 over a minimum of two to three years, large projects up to USD 600,000 over at least four years, and infrastructure projects up to USD 1,000,000 over a similar minimum duration. These funds are intended to support longitudinal data collection, integration of LEVANTE measures into existing studies, or the development of large-scale datasets requiring advanced infrastructure. While the program does not specify matching requirements, applicants must ensure that budgets align with the scale and ambition of their proposed work. Allowable uses include data collection, methodological innovation, and integration of additional measurement tools such as neuroimaging, environmental data, or qualitative approaches. Eligibility is restricted to experienced researchers who have obtained a PhD or equivalent at least five years prior to the application deadline and are affiliated with a research institution or university. Applicants must demonstrate a strong track record in child development research and commit to active participation in the LEVANTE network. Projects must adhere to strict requirements, including the use of LEVANTE core measures, compliance with data sharing and ethical standards, and coordination with the Data Coordinating Center for any adaptations or customizations. Proposals must be submitted in English and include plans for sampling, recruitment, and longitudinal data collection. The application process consists of three stages. The first stage, the initial application, requires submission of general information, a project description, and supporting documents such as a CV and publication list. Successful applicants are invited to submit a more detailed extended proposal in the second stage, including a full study design, timeline, and budget. The final stage involves an interview with the review panel for shortlisted candidates. Proposals are evaluated based on scientific merit, feasibility, innovation, alignment with LEVANTE objectives, and the diversity and representativeness of the study population. The submission deadline for the initial application is June 10, 2026. The application period opened on April 13, 2026, and runs until midnight GMT on the deadline date. The program is part of an ongoing series of calls, indicating a recurring funding cycle, although exact future dates are not explicitly stated. Review and selection processes extend through late 2026, with interviews scheduled in November and final approvals made by the Jacobs Foundation Board. Overall, this funding opportunity represents a significant investment in advancing global, collaborative research on child development. By requiring standardized data collection and encouraging innovative methodologies such as causal inference designs and dense longitudinal measurement, the LEVANTE initiative seeks to generate a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of how children learn and develop across diverse environments.

Emphasize strong causal inference design; demonstrate feasibility and resource capacity; align closely with LEVANTE framework; include diverse and representative samples