Sponsored Projects and Research Compliance Office (SPARC)

Strategies for Success: The Spencer Foundation’s Education Research Grant Programs

The Spencer Foundation, established in 1962, is a leading funder of education research. The Foundation invests in innovative education research, broadly conceived, that cultivates learning, transforms lives, and leads to lasting improvements in education and learning. In support of these goals, the Spencer Foundation offers multiple grant programs, including Vision Grants, Research Grants, Fellowships for Scholars and Journalists, and the new Transformative Research Grant Program.

On March 15, 2024, Dr. Jenny Zhang presented a virtual workshop to colleges and universities in Oregon. Please reach out to SPARC to request the slides and a recording of the presentation–and learn about Spencer Foundation funding opportunities and strategies for preparing a successful application.

The Institute of International Education’s 2025-26 Fulbright U.S. Scholars Program competition offers 400 unique awards for U.S. citizens to teach, research, and conduct professional projects in more than 130 countries. Faculty and staff interested in learning more about the traditional Scholar Award among other opportunities (Global Scholar, Public Policy Fellowship, Arctic Initiative, and Amazonia) joined their peers from around Oregon for a virtual presentation featuring Fulbright’s Alexa Rowland, IIE Fulbright Program Officer, on April 5, 2024. Please reach out to SPARC with any questions.

Strategies for Success: Applying for Division of Education Programs Funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) is an independent federal agency and one of the largest funders of humanities programs in the United States. Within the NEH, the Division of Education Programs supports humanities education primarily aimed at program and curriculum development and through professional development opportunities. On February 16, 2024, NEH Program Officer Dr. Jason Harshman presented a virtual workshop to colleges and universities in Oregon. Please reach out to SPARC to request the slides and a recording of the presentation–and learn about NEH grant programs and strategies for preparing a successful application.

Strategies for Success: How to Win a Grant from the American Philosophical Society

The American Philosophical Society (APS) is the oldest learned society in the United States. The APS serves scholars, scientists, and professionals in a number of ways, including the support of research and discovery through grants and fellowships. Want to learn more? Director of Grants and Fellowships Linda Musumeci presented information about APS programs to faculty colleagues from around Oregon in a virtual workshop on October 20, 2023. If you’d like to learn more about the various APS research grant programs—such as the Franklin Research Grant Program and the Phillips Fund for Native American Research—and strategies for success, please reach out to SPARC to see the slides and a recording of the presentation.