Grants

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.