The McDowell Foundation provides research grants to explore new and innovative ways to meet the educational needs of students in Saskatchewan.
All grant applications are reviewed and adjudicated by an independent Project Review Committee comprised primarily of Saskatchewan teachers. For examples of McDowell projects visit our research page.
> How to Apply
In the fall of each year the Foundation releases the Notice of Intent to kick off the grant application process for the main call.
A Completed Notice of Intent would include:
- Applicant information
- Project leader (name, address, phone number, and email)
- Project team members (names, phone numbers, and emails)
- Applicant Employer
- e.g., School, University or Other
- Description of Research Topic
- 100- to 200-word summary of your topic and why you want to study it.
- Research Experience
- New, Novice or Skilled
> Available Grants
The Grant Cycle for the Funding Year of 2025-26 has started.
Process:
- Submit a Notice of Intent by November 29, 2024
- Attend Grant Writing Workshop (December 2024/January 2025)
- Submit a First Draft by February 6 2025
- Revise Application based on feedback and advice and submit a final grant application by April 21, 2025.
For more details consult the 2025-26 Notice of Intent Poster or FAQ at the bottom of this page.
Still have questions? Email us at mcdowell@stf.sk.ca
> Frequently Asked Questions
Prior research experience is not necessary.
The Notice of Intent and overall application process assists applicants in developing a meaningful and achievable research project which supports professional development through reflective practice.
Individual and organizational applicants are both eligible.
Applicants’ eligibility is not restricted according to place of residence 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.
Preference will be given to research projects that can be seen to:
- Provide direct benefit to teaching and learning in Saskatchewan and elsewhere.
- Affect positive change in teaching and learning.
- 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.
The Foundation has funded both qualitative and quantitative research projects in the past; although, qualitative projects are more common.
Qualitative research is descriptive and can be observed but not measured. For example, interviews and focus groups are examples of qualitative data. Quantitative research relies on numbers that can be measured. Student attendance is an example of qualitative data.
Research projects can include both qualitative and quantitative research methods and data.
- 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.
Refer to the Notice of Intent poster for exact dates.
Fall: Notice of Intent is released
November: Notice of Intent deadline
December/January: Grant Writing Workshop
February: First Draft Due
March: Project Review Committee Feedback
April: Final Proposal Due
June: Funding Annoucement
The Main Call follows the typical application process and funding is given for the following school year. Topics can vary depending on the interests of applicants. Research timeline is general 12-18 months.
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.
Current and former McDowell researchers may be eligible to apply for McDowell Foundation Conference Grants to present their research at local, national and/or international conferences. Contact the Foundation Manager for more information.