The William T. Grant Foundation's Research Grants on Reducing Inequality program funds studies focused on addressing and mitigating disparities in academic, social, behavioral, or economic outcomes for young people aged 5-25 in the United States. The program supports both major research grants, ranging from $100,000 to $600,000 over 2-3 years, and officers’ research grants, which provide $25,000 to $50,000 over 1-2 years. Deadlines for the 2025 funding cycle are January 8, May 7, and August 6.

Priority is given to research that targets inequalities across dimensions such as race, ethnicity, economic status, sexual or gender minority status, language minority status, or immigrant origins. Proposals must go beyond documenting inequality to explore actionable policies, programs, or practices designed to reduce disparities. Interdisciplinary approaches and studies engaging youth-serving systems, such as education, mental health, and justice, are highly encouraged.

Applications should articulate a specific inequality to be addressed, supported by existing literature, and detail how findings will inform solutions that can be implemented through organizations, systems, or policies. Proposals must include rigorous research methodologies, such as experimental, quantitative, or qualitative designs, with clear plans for data collection, analysis, and evaluation. Mixed-methods studies and interdisciplinary teams are particularly valued.

Eligibility extends to U.S.-based tax-exempt organizations, with an emphasis on underrepresented institutions, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-serving Institutions, and Tribal Colleges and Universities. Individual applicants are not eligible. Research teams should demonstrate prior experience and expertise, and proposals must specify each member’s role and contributions.

Applications begin with a letter of inquiry, evaluated on relevance, methodological rigor, feasibility, and potential for impact. Successful letters may lead to invitations for full proposals (for major grants), while officers’ grants are decided on the letter alone. For more details and submission guidance, applicants can refer to the program guidelines or contact the Foundation directly.