We fund high quality research which advances knowledge and understanding of Froebelian philosophy, principles and approaches in early childhood education and care.

Applications have now closed for 2024 grants

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The Froebel Trust Open Call Research Grants scheme is designed to provide funding for individual researchers or collaborative research partnerships and networks to develop innovative studies.

We offer two kinds of Open Call Research Grants:

  • Seed Corn grants of up to £5,000 - to kickstart new research projects and fund smaller scale projects.
  • Larger grants of up to £10,000 - to fund projects led by researchers with a more established research reputation and a track record of delivering high quality studies, research outputs and impact.

The research we fund includes critical studies and impact evaluations. The Froebel Trust aims to use its funded research to provide insights and create resources for parents, carers and professionals who work with young children and their families - and to inform policymaking.

We are keen to receive research grant applications for projects which are clearly connected to early education and nursery school practice today. We particularly welcome applications to fund projects and researchers working with children, families and/or schools and settings in areas of deprivation across the UK. Priority will be given to high-scoring grant applicants who have never received Froebel Trust funding before.

If you are interested in applying for a grant:

How do I apply?

Download the guidance for applicants (2024)

The application deadline was 4pm on Thursday 2 May 2024 (UK time). We cannot accept applications sent by email or post.

If you have any queries about our grants or the application process please contact Victoria Arneil, Programme Manager (Grants & Events) e: office@froebeltrust.org.uk

Frequently asked questions about Open Call Research Grants

We will add to these FAQs as and when we receive and respond to any enquiries from applicants. If your question isn’t covered here, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

Can I apply for a grant?

How much funding I can apply for?

What is it meant by the 'track record of the research team'?

I work with, but not in, a university/ organisation that can support research. Can I still apply for an Open Call Research Grant?

Can I include non-pay costs in my grant application budget?

What daily rates are acceptable for staff time?

How long should my research project last?

Can I partner with other people or research teams?

What happens to my application after I submit it?

Can I talk to someone about my application?

What kinds of research has the Froebel Trust funded before?

Key information/ downloads for applicants

Guidance for applicants (2024)

Froebel Trust Statement on Expectations of Ethical Practice in Research

The standard Froebel Trust Grant Offer - and Terms and Conditions

The referencing style to be used by grant holders in their reports

About making changes to your grant

Equality, equity, diversity and inclusion

Our vision at the Froebel Trust is of an inclusive organisation which is accessible to all. We recognise that to achieve this we must demonstrate equality, equity, diversity and inclusion in all that we do. Everyone should feel represented and see themselves reflected in our policies and structures, our people, our audiences, our events, our projects and our publications.

The Froebel Trust’s aim is to ensure that the funding and grants we offer are distributed fairly. We are committed to equality of opportunity, which means that we need to be mindful of barriers which may inhibit some people’s involvement; and to find ways to open up avenues for inclusion on an equitable basis.  We are committed to increasing the inclusiveness of our grant-making processes, with the aim of achieving greater diversity in our applicants (including the schools, early years settings, organisations and universities which receive our funding).   

All applicants that meet our funding criteria will be sent a link to our Equality Monitoring Survey. This helps us to understand how well we are reaching different groups of people. Answers are anonymous and participation is voluntary.    

Take a look at our Froebel Trust Charter for Inclusive Practice.

We publish our annual accounts detailing our charity's structure, activities, income and spending and these can be found on the Charity Commission for England and Wales website. The Froebel Trust is a registered Charity No: 1145128. Registered as a Company limited by guarantee in England and Wales No: 07862112.

Find out more about how we work.

Watch our 2022 short film all about the Froebel Trust and the projects we fund