The McDowell Foundation provides research grants to explore new and innovative ways to best meet the educational needs of students in Saskatchewan. 

All grant applications are adjudicated by an independent Project Review Committee comprised primarily of teachers. 

For more information or examples of current/past projects please see visit our research page or contact us

> How to Apply

The Research Awards Guide was created as a resource to be used in developing an application and outlines in more detail the research criteria.

The Notice of Intent should be emailed to mcdowell@stf.sk.ca by
the November 30, 2023 deadline.

The Notice of Intent can be submitted orally if the research team prefers. Please contact the Foundation for further details.

> Related Documents

> Available Grants

Notice of Intent 2024-25 Funding

The McDowell Foundation is inviting PreK-12 teachers and other educators to submit a Notice of Intent to begin the grant application process for research projects funded in the 2024-25 school year. Foundation grants provide funding, guidance, and release time to
support recipients’ project goals and activities.

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. 

Grants totalling $85,000 are available.

Notice of Intent Requirements

A completed Notice of Intent shall include the following:

1.  Applicant(s)

o   Project leader’s name, address, phone number, and email.

o   Project team members’ names, phone numbers, and emails.

2.  Applicant Employer

o   School, university, or other.

3.  Describe What You Intend to Study and Why

o   Provide a 100- to 200-word summary.

4.  Research Experience

o   New, novice, or skilled researcher.

Grant Application Process

1.  Submit a Notice of Intent by November 30, 2023.

2.  Applicants are invited to participate in a grant proposal development workshop in December/January 2023-24.

3.  Applicants develop a draft grant proposal for review by February 5, 2024

4. Applicants may revise the draft grant proposal based on the feedback and advice received and shall submit a final grant proposal by April 19, 2024

Research FAQs

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.

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.

The Notice of Intent poster is released in September of each year. Refer to the poster for exact dates.

Interested researchers are able to submit their notice of intent up until the end of November. 

After submitting a notice of Intent prospective researchers are invited to attend the Grant Writing Workshop in December/January. 

First Drafts are due in late January/Early February. 

Feedback is provided in early March.

Final proposals are due mid-April

Funding announcements are made in June.