The Spencer Foundation

The Spencer Foundation is a U.S. nonprofit organization established in 1962 by Lyle M. Spencer, a sociologist and founder of Science Research Associates (SRA), an educational publishing firm[1][3]. The foundation is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and is recognized as the only national foundation exclusively focused on supporting education research[2][4].

History

Lyle M. Spencer founded the Spencer Foundation to investigate ways to improve education broadly conceived[1]. Following Spencer's death in 1968, the foundation received its major endowment and began formal grant-making activities in 1971[1][3]. Since then, it has awarded over $500 million in grants to support research projects and training initiatives across a wide range of disciplines related to education[1][3].

Mission and Goals

The Spencer Foundation's mission is to support high-quality education research that addresses pressing questions and opportunities in learning[2]. Its core goals include:

• Investing in Transformative Research: The foundation supports research that is methodologically rigorous and helps create a more equitable and just society[2].
• Education Research Training: It aims to enhance the quality of education research training to build a robust research community[2].
• Broadening Scholarship: The foundation seeks to expand the diversity of scholars and scholarship involved in education research[2].
• Strengthening Impact: It works to enhance the influence of education research on educational practices and policies[2].
• Public Engagement: The foundation aims to make education research more accessible to broader audiences[2].

Funding Programs

The Spencer Foundation offers several grant programs, including:

• Lyle M. Spencer Research Awards: These grants support large-scale research projects with budgets between $100,000 and $1 million, focusing on significant education research questions[3].
• Small Grants: Designed for smaller or pilot projects with budgets of $50,000 or less, these grants support field-initiated research[3][4].
• Field Building Grants: This program includes Conference Grants, which facilitate scholarly conferences and symposia on critical issues in education[4].
• Fellowships and Training Grants: These are administered through partnerships, such as with the National Academy of Education, to support doctoral and postdoctoral research[3].

The foundation's grants process typically involves a peer-review system, with proposals evaluated by both internal staff and external reviewers[3][4].

Leadership and Governance

The Spencer Foundation is led by a President and a Board of Directors, consisting of educators and business professionals. As of 2017, Na'ilah Suad Nasir serves as the President, guiding the evolution of the foundation's grant programs and priorities[3].

Recent Initiatives

The foundation has launched initiatives such as exploring the role of artificial intelligence in education and publishing a white paper series on culturally sustaining education practices[5]. These efforts reflect the foundation's commitment to fostering innovative and equitable learning environments.