William T. Grant Scholars Program

$425,000 total over five years (includes up to 7.5% indirect costs), awarded annually to 4–6 scholars.

2026 competition closed; next cycle dates posted January 2027.

AMOUNT

$425,000 total over five years (includes up to 7.5% indirect costs), awarded annually to 4–6 scholars.

AMOUNT

$425,000 total over five years (includes up to 7.5% indirect costs), awarded annually to 4–6 scholars.

DEADLINE

2026 competition closed; next cycle dates posted January 2027.

DEADLINE

2026 competition closed; next cycle dates posted January 2027.

FUNDING TYPE

Fellowship

CAN YOU GET THIS?

You must be an early-career researcher at a US institution with a track record of high-quality research and a plan to significantly shift your research direction.

The program funds researchers in two focus areas: reducing inequality in outcomes for young people ages 5–25, and improving how research evidence is used in youth-serving systems. Awards go to the applicant's institution, not directly to individuals.

YOUR REAL ODDS

Only four to six Scholars are selected each year from a national pool of applicants.

This is a highly selective, annual competition. The 2026 cycle is already closed; the next competition dates will be posted in January 2027.

WHAT IT TAKES

Check focus area fit and review annotated successful proposals on the funder site — 1–2 days
Develop a five-year research and mentoring plan showing a meaningful shift in your research trajectory — 4–8 weeks
Submit application during the open window (watch for January 2027 announcement) — Deadline typically mid-year

WORTH KNOWING

The program explicitly supports researchers taking measured risks and shifting trajectories—a conventional, incremental proposal is less competitive than one showing genuine disciplinary or methodological expansion. Reviewers include a named Selection Committee, and finalists enter a structured review process described in the guidelines PDF.

Apply on the funder’s site →

Activate Fellowship

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Scientists and engineers with breakthrough research ready to build a hard tech startup can apply for this two-year paid fellowship.

Echoing Green Fellowship

$100,000 stipend over 18 months (for-profits receive it as a recoverable grant)

Early-stage social impact founders globally who are building equity-focused organizations and have not yet connected with traditional investment.

Camelback Ventures Fellowship

$50,000 per fellow; delivered as a SAFE note (for-profits) or unrestricted grant (nonprofits/schools). Awarded twice yearly.

Early-stage US-based founders in education or tech working to address inequity, with a personal connection to the problem.

This is 1 of 1,600+ open opportunities.

$50B+ in available capital across grants, VC funds, CDFIs, and accelerators. Filter by your industry, stage, and region, and see everything you qualify for.

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