Vision Grants

The Vision Grants program is offered by the Spencer Foundation, a private philanthropic organization dedicated to supporting research that improves education systems and addresses systemic inequities. The foundation emphasizes rigorous, interdisciplinary research that can guide evidence-based improvements and foster more equitable and inclusive educational environments. Through this program, Spencer aims to support early-stage collaborative planning efforts that can ultimately lead to transformative, large-scale research initiatives. The purpose of the Vision Grants program is to provide research planning support for teams seeking to conceptualize ambitious projects that address complex challenges in education systems. Rather than funding full research implementation, the grant supports a structured planning period during which interdisciplinary teams can develop innovative ideas, frameworks, and partnerships. These projects are expected to focus on reimagining educational systems with an emphasis on equity, drawing from multiple disciplines and incorporating perspectives from practitioners, policymakers, and communities. Funding for Vision Grants is fixed at a total of 75000 dollars per award, with a project duration ranging from 12 to 18 months. The grant is intended to support activities such as convening collaborators, conducting preliminary research, and designing large-scale studies. Funds may be allocated across categories such as personnel, travel, equipment, project expenses, and professional development. However, indirect costs are not permitted under this program, and budgets must remain within the specified funding cap. Eligibility for the program requires that Principal Investigators and Co-Principal Investigators hold an earned doctorate or terminal degree in a relevant field and be affiliated with a nonprofit or public institution capable of administering the grant. Eligible organizations include universities, school districts, research institutions, and nonprofit entities with appropriate tax-exempt status. While graduate students may participate in project teams, they are not permitted to serve as PIs or Co-PIs. Applications are accepted from both domestic and international applicants, provided proposals are submitted in English and budgets are presented in US dollars. The application process consists of two required steps. First, applicants must submit an Intent to Apply form, which is limited to 200 words and serves as a preliminary notification to the foundation. This step is mandatory but does not influence proposal evaluation. Upon submission of the intent form, applicants gain access to the full proposal application, which includes a detailed narrative of approximately 2000 words, a project timeline, and a comprehensive budget with justification. Additional requirements include an AI use disclosure agreement and an authorized organizational signature. Applications for the current cycle opened on June 4, 2026. The Intent to Apply deadline is August 12, 2026, at 12:00 PM Central Time, and the full proposal deadline is September 16, 2026, at 12:00 PM Central Time. The program does not specify exact award notification dates but includes a structured cohort learning experience for funded teams, including in-person sessions in Chicago. While the Vision Grant program is standalone, it also serves as a prerequisite for applying to the foundation’s larger Transformative Research Grant program, though selection into the latter is not guaranteed.

Focus on developing a compelling vision for transformative change in education systems with strong emphasis on equity and collaboration; demonstrate interdisciplinary partnerships and clearly identify system-level levers for change