Grants · Research Grants
WILLIAM T. GRANT SCHOLARS PROGRAM 2026 (Funding: $425,000)
Deadline: 30 Jun 2026

Category: Research Grants
Location: United States
Overview
The William T. Grant Scholars Program 2026 supports early-career researchers with a five-year funding package to advance high-quality research and career development. The program focuses on expanding researchers’ expertise through innovative research and strong mentorship.
Research areas include reducing inequality among youth (ages 5–25) in the United States and improving the use of research evidence in policy and practice. The program encourages interdisciplinary approaches and supports impactful, policy-relevant research.
Eligibility
- Applicants must have received a doctorate within the last 7 years
- Applicants must hold a career-ladder research position (e.g., tenure-track)
- Applicants must be nominated by their institution
- Applicants can be from any discipline
- Applicants outside the United States are eligible if research focuses on U.S. youth
- Applications must be submitted through a tax-exempt organization
Benefits
- Funding of $425,000 over 5 years
- Mentorship from experienced researchers
- Access to a strong academic and research network
- Participation in annual retreats and professional development workshops
- Opportunity for additional mentoring grants
How to Apply
- Review full application guidelines
- Prepare a research and mentoring plan
- Secure institutional nomination
- Submit application through the Foundation portal
- Ensure mentor and reference letters are submitted before the deadline
Share this opportunity
Related opportunities

YOUTH TO THE FRONT FUND – CREATIVE FRONTLINERS – 2026 COHORT
We Are Family Foundation (WAFF) is now accepting applications for its 2026 Youth To The Front Fund – Creative Frontliners program, supporting young changemakers driving environmental and social impact worldwide. Are you a creative or collective led by founders under 30, centering BIPOC communities and challenging systemic injustice? This opportunity is designed to uplift bold, innovative voices working at the intersection of creativity, justice, and community transformation. Selected Creative Frontliners will receive catalytic funding, global visibility, and access to a supportive network of peers and mentors.

MENA Scholars Fellowship – Third Cohort (2026)
The MENA Scholars Fellowship is now accepting applications for its 2026 Third Cohort. This two-year fellowship supports early-career researchers from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to gain hands-on experience in designing and conducting randomized evaluations focused on poverty reduction and social development policies. The fellowship aims to strengthen research capacity by equipping scholars with rigorous impact evaluation skills, mentorship, and opportunities to work with leading researchers and policy institutions.

Grand Challenges Canada – Being Initiative (Transition to Scale)
Grand Challenges Canada is inviting applications for the Being Initiative, a global mental health program focused on supporting innovative solutions that address the root causes of mental distress among young people. The initiative aims to strengthen the environments where young people live, learn, and grow by funding scalable, evidence-based interventions that promote mental wellbeing. This funding opportunity is ideal for organizations, innovators, and researchers working on youth mental health, especially those with solutions ready to transition to scale and create measurable impact across communities.