Research Grants on Reducing Inequality in Youth Outcomes 2026

The William T. Grant Foundation is currently accepting applications for its Research Grants on Reducing Inequality in Youth Outcomes 2026. This program funds research studies that examine programs, policies, or practices aimed at reducing inequality in the academic, social, behavioral, or economic outcomes of young people aged 5–25 in the United States. The focus includes dimensions such as race, ethnicity, economic standing, sexual or gender minority status (e.g., LGBTQ+ youth), language minority status, or immigrant origins.

🏛️ About the Program

This initiative supports research that aligns with the Foundation's mission to reduce inequality in youth outcomes. The program encourages proposals that address systemic disparities and promote equity.

💰 Benefits

Major Research Grants

• Funding between $100,000 and $600,000

Officers’ Research Grants

• Funding between $25,000 and $50,000

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Eligible Organizations

• Grants are awarded only to tax-exempt organizations.
• Proposals are encouraged from under-represented institutions, including:
  • Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
  • Hispanic-serving Institutions
  • Tribal Colleges and Universities
  • Alaska Native Serving Institutions
  • Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions
  • Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions

Eligible Principal Investigators

• The Foundation defers to the applying organization’s criteria for who can act as a Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI).
• Investigators must have the experience and skills to carry out the proposed work.
• The Foundation encourages diversity among researchers, including Black or African American, Indigenous, Latinx, and Asian or Pacific Islander American researchers.
• New for 2026: Applicants may submit only one application per cycle as the Principal Investigator. For example, you may submit only one major grant or one Officers’ research award letter of inquiry.

Eligible Studies

• Studies must:
  1. Align with the stated research interests of the program.
  2. Relate to the outcomes of young people aged 5–25 in the United States.
• The Foundation does not support:
  • Non-research activities (e.g., program implementation, operational costs).
  • Contributions to building funds, fundraising drives, endowment funds, general operating budgets, or scholarships.
• Letters of inquiry for ineligible projects are screened out without further review.

📅 Application Date and Process

• Application Deadline: 29 July, 2026
• Visit the official website to apply.

For more details, visit the William T. Grant Foundation website.

This opportunity is a significant step toward addressing systemic inequalities and fostering equitable outcomes for youth. Don't miss the chance to contribute to meaningful change!

• Major Research Grants: Funding between $100,000 and $600,000
• Officers’ Research Grants: Funding between $25,000 and $50,000