> Grants
The McDowell Foundation provides grants that are designed to help teachers explore new and innovative ways to enhance teacher understanding, meet the educational needs of students in Saskatchewan, and contribute to the broader education sector. To schedule a meeting to learn more about McDowell Grants click here – Book time with the Manager.
A notice of intent can be completed in the following ways:
- Fill out this Microsoft Form.
- Submit a written letter of intent by email.
- Contact the Foundation directly to submit an oral notice of intent.
> Available Grants
Consult the Notice of Intent posters for each call for specific application deadlines.
Curious about a topic or issue in your classroom? Now is your chance to investigate it further! The McDowell Foundation is inviting PreK-12 and other Saskatchewan educators to submit a letter of intent for the 2026-27 grant year.
A notice of intent can be completed by November 28, 2025 in the following ways:
- Fill out this Microsoft Form.
- Submit a written letter of intent by email.
- Contact the Foundation directly to submit an oral notice of intent.
The McDowell Foundation is inviting PreK-12 teachers and other educators to apply to a directed call for research in memory of Fred Herron.
A legacy teacher, educational leader, and friend of the Foundation, Fred Herron was instrumental in the
development of the McDowell Foundation over 30 years ago. Since his passing in October 2024, the McDowell Foundation has been grateful to receive numerous donations to honour his memory.
Research grants of up to $5,000 per project will be awarded. Research projects should be completed within three to six months of receiving the funding.
Topic areas may include:
- Mathematics
- Science
- Environmental Sciences
- Classroom Complexity
A notice of intent can be completed by November 28, 2025 in the following ways:
- Fill out this Microsoft Form.
- Submit a written letter of intent by email.
- Contact the Foundation directly to submit an oral notice of intent.
The McDowell Foundation and Gambling Awareness Program are inviting PreK-12 teachers and other educators to submit a letter of intent to a special directed call for research that will explore the impact of technology use on Saskatchewan students.
Children and young adolescents are particularly at risk of developing problems with technology use. This is because their brains are still developing, meaning they are more likely to make impulsive decisions and often possess fewer coping skills compared to adults.
Research suggests that excessive technology use can lead to or exacerbate mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression, and problematic technology use can contribute to more sedentary lifestyles, negatively impacting an individual’s physical health.
Additionally, it may directly impact student performance in classrooms. Sleep disruption, higher levels of mental distress, and escapism through technology can lead to decreased ability to focus, procrastination, poor time management, and reduced study time, which can contribute to poor academic performance.
Research grants of up to $4,000 will be awarded. Research projects should be completed within three to six months of receiving the funding. For the directed call, there will be a single application process.
If you are interested please submit your notice of intent by the November 28, 2025 deadline by either completing the Notice of Intent Form or emailing the Foundation at mcdowell@stf.sk.ca
> Documents
> Frequently Asked Questions
Both individuals and organizations are eligible to apply for McDowell Foundation grants.
Eligibility is not restricted according to the place of residence of the Researcher(s) or the place where the research will be carried out, however applicants are expected to carry out their research in the context of publicly funded PreK-12 education in Saskatchewan.
Preference will be given to research projects that can be seen to:
- Provide direct benefit to teaching and learning in Saskatchewan and elsewhere.
- Involve teachers in a way that extends their ability and motivation as researchers.
- Encourage individuals and organizations to reflect on and identify important issues related to teaching and learning that require study and discussion.
- Address teaching and learning issues of wide scope and general significance.
- Create opportunities for dialogue for teaching and learning.
- Involve experimentation with innovative ideas and methodologies for teaching and learning.
- Utilize innovative research methods and approaches.
No! The McDowell Foundation supports all researchers whether they’re new or skilled. The grant writing workshop is designed to walk prospective researchers through the application process and the development of a successful research project.
For the main call, research projects can be a maximum of $20,000 per project.
For Special Directed Calls, the maximum amount varies depending on the amount of funding approved by the McDowell Board of Directors. Generally speaking, grants range between $3,000 to $5,000 max.
- Release time for teachers and non-teaching school-based personnel.
- Transcription, secretarial, technical, data entry, computer assistance, and professional services directly related to the study.
- Travel, accommodations, and expenses to meetings directly related to the study. Electronic meetings and conference calls are encouraged.
- Purchase or rental (based on lesser cost) of materials, supplies, equipment, new technology, videos, video production, or software directly related to the study if the items are not provided by the place of employment.
- Team meeting and event costs, gifts to Elders, meetings for parents and/or community members, child care for the meetings – use of school facilities is encouraged.
The following items are typically NOT covered by McDowell Grants:
- Tuition fees for researchers enrolled in university graduate or undergraduate programs, post doctorate salary, other educational program fees, or salary while on leave from employment.
- Activities such as curriculum, program, or instructional material development; piloting of teaching materials or methods; and the evaluation of programs, methods, and materials unless identified as necessary for the study.
- Class trips or learning activities are not eligible unless clearly identified as a direct and integral part of the research being conducted.
- The cost of printing and binding theses.
- Classes, workshops, or courses designed to increase research skills.
- Professional learning workshops or events unless clearly identified as a direct and integral part of the research being conducted.
A special directed call is a grant for research on a pre-determined topic. These grants are usually smaller than the main call grants and are completed in a 6-12 month period.
Special Directed Calls are released sporadically depending on funding and research needs.
Examples of past Special Directed Calls include: Superannuated Teachers (in celebration of the STS 50th Anniversary), Teacher Wellbeing, COVID-19 Impacts on Teaching and Learning.