Call for Grant Applications –
Leakey Foundation Research Grants
Organisation Name:
Leakey Foundation
Application Deadline:
- January 10 for spring cycle
- July 15 for fall cycle
About Organisation
The Leakey Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing scientific research that explores what it means to be human. Founded in 1968, the foundation supports studies that investigate human origins, evolution, and behavior. Donor-supported, the foundation’s mission is to uncover and share knowledge about our shared evolutionary history. The Leakey Foundation aims to deepen our understanding of humanity’s development and behavior by funding research across various scientific disciplines.
With a focus on uncovering the story of human evolution, the Leakey Foundation supports innovative and exploratory projects that push the boundaries of knowledge. Research funded by the foundation spans areas such as anthropology, archaeology, and biology, all contributing to a more complete picture of human origins.
Through education and outreach, the Leakey Foundation ensures that its discoveries reach both the scientific community and the general public, helping foster a deeper appreciation for the significance of human evolution and our place in the natural world.
About the Grant
The Leakey Foundation is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to funding research that advances our understanding of human origins and evolution. Through its Research Grants, the foundation awards approximately $1,000,000 annually to support PhD dissertation research and post-PhD studies in fields related to human evolution and behavior.
The foundation prioritizes projects in their exploratory stages and encourages multidisciplinary research that broadens the current boundaries of human evolutionary studies. Grants are provided to researchers working across a variety of disciplines, including anthropology, paleontology, and biology, all with a focus on understanding the origins and evolution of human beings.
The Leakey Foundation highly values innovative research approaches that contribute to the expansion of knowledge in this field. Research supported by the foundation often sheds light on critical aspects of human development, behavior, and biological diversity, helping to reveal the intricate story of how humans evolved over millions of years.
Grant amounts vary based on the applicant’s academic standing, with up to $20,000 available for PhD candidates and up to $30,000 for post-PhD researchers.
Who can Apply?
Researchers in advanced stages of their academic careers, focused on projects related to human origins and evolution, are eligible to apply for Leakey Foundation grants. Applications are open to both PhD candidates and post-PhD researchers who meet specific criteria.
- Eligibility for PhD Candidates: Applicants must be advanced doctoral students who have reached candidacy status, meaning they have completed all coursework and exams but are still working on their dissertation (all but dissertation status).
- Eligibility for Post-PhD Researchers: Scholars who have already completed their PhD and are continuing research in fields related to human evolution and behavior are eligible to apply for funding.
There are no restrictions on nationality, and researchers from any country are welcome to apply. However, all applicants must be affiliated with a recognized institution such as a university, research center, or museum. The foundation does not award grants directly to individuals without institutional support.
Resubmittals are encouraged, and applicants who have previously received a grant from the Leakey Foundation must complete all reporting requirements before they are eligible to apply for another grant.
How to Apply?
To apply for a Leakey Foundation Research Grant, download the application instructions and materials packet. Ensure that all guidelines are carefully followed and submit your application online through the provided platform. For any questions regarding eligibility or the application process, applicants are encouraged to refer to the foundation’s FAQs before submitting their materials.
Application Deadline
The deadline for submitting your application is 23:59 UTC on the due date. Be sure to submit all required documents before the deadline.
- January 10 for spring cycle
- July 15 for fall cycle
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
