IES opens two FY 2027 research competitions, due December 11
Department of Education. October 26, 2026. Read the source.
What are the IES From Seedlings to Scale and Transformative Research in Special Education competitions?
The Institute of Education Sciences announced two fiscal year 2027 competitions on October 20, 2026. From Seedlings to Scale (ALN 84.305J) accepts Phase One applications on coordinating systems to translate evidence into policy and practice, with a maximum award of $500,000 for one year. Transformative Research in Special Education (ALN 84.324T) accepts Phase One applications to transform preservice teacher education for general and special education teachers, with a maximum of $3,750,000 over three years. Complete proposals are due through Grants.gov by 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern on December 11, 2026.
Two competitions, one focus area each
The National Center for Education Research runs From Seedlings to Scale. For FY 2027 it will consider only Phase One applications in the C-STEP focus area, Coordinating Systems to Translate Evidence into Policy and Practice. The cap is $500,000 for a one-year project.
The National Center for Special Education Research runs Transformative Research in Special Education. It will consider only Phase One applications that propose solutions to dramatically improve preservice teacher education systems. The aim is systems that attract, train, and retain preK-12 general and special education teachers who improve outcomes for students with or at risk for disabilities. The cap is $3,750,000 over three years.
Who can apply
Any institution with the ability and capacity to conduct scientifically valid research is eligible. The notice names institutions of higher education and nonprofit, for-profit, public, and private organizations. A research office does not have to be at a university to compete.
The full announcements, program requirements, and peer review criteria are at ies.ed.gov/funding/grants and on Grants.gov under the two assistance listing numbers.
Due December 11, 2026
Complete proposals must be submitted through the Grants.gov Apply function by 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern time on December 11, 2026. Grants.gov registrations take time, so an organization that has never applied there should start that first.
A Phase One application on a tight calendar is where a drafted-from-your-documents approach earns its keep. Quillify reads the IES announcement, drafts each section from your prior studies and project descriptions, and lists every requirement with where the draft meets it. Quillify for researchers.
What you can do today
- Search open research grants
- Grants for higher education and research
- Grants for youth and after-school programs
More policy news: NIH webinar notices, October 26 to 28, 2026. The 2026 proposal to trim HHS block grant regulations. The 2026 final rule trimming child support program regulations. USDA SPUR guaranteed loans for FY 2027: who qualifies and how to apply. SBA surety bond guarantee fees: what changes on November 30, 2026.
Find the funding open to you this week.
Browsing and keyword search are free, and there is no card required.