SRCD Small Grants Program FAQs

We can accommodate only one proposal per scholar.

Absolutely! Multiple early career scholars per submission are welcome. Include all CVs of the early career scholars involved along with the proposal and be sure to address the potential contribution of the grant to each person’s professional development.

Proposals to conduct secondary data analysis are welcome. Be sure to justify the expenses associated with the analysis (e.g. database access) in the budget and budget justification.

This funding mechanism is dedicated exclusively to supporting specific research projects and cannot be used for training experiences or collaboration planning.

No. The funds are meant for research expenses; however, the funds can be used to compensate research assistants and consultants.

Yes! Non-US citizens and institutions are welcome to apply.

Applicants can begin counting their 5-years post degree after completing their residency.

No, we are a research society, not a funding organization. Indirect costs are not allowable.

The 2025 period will begin July 1, 2025. SRCD does not set an end-date for spending project funds, but awardees will be required to submit an annual report in May of each year until their project is complete.

Each proposal may include one (1) figure or table that will not count against the 1000-word limit. The figure or table must be a visual representation and should not contain more than 50 words. Additionally, a citation page will not count against the 1000-word limit. However, if you choose to include an appendix, this will be counted towards the 1000-word limit.

Funds can only go to an institution, like a research organization or university. They cannot go directly to the individual grant recipients.

To be eligible for this award, applicants must be Active SRCD Early Career Members. 
An active Early Career Membership means you have: 

• Paid membership dues for Early Career Status SRCD membership, and
• Are within five years of receiving your doctoral degree (i.e., you completed your doctorate no earlier than January 1, 2021).
• Exceptions will be made for LMIC members and Professional Members who are within five years of their doctoral degree. 

Any unused funds of $100 or more must be returned to SRCD.

Yes. You may apply if your first Ph.D. falls within the eligibility timeframe and was in a field related to the call, and you are currently a student in a child development field who will complete your degree by June 1, 2025.

Yes. If you have completed your medical residency, you are eligible. The medical residency end date is considered equivalent to the Ph.D. graduation date.

Yes. If the organization, individuals, or materials are being utilized for the research project as consultants, research assistants, or senior advisors, the budget may be allocated to compensate them accordingly.

If your first Ph.D. falls within the eligibility timeframe and was in a field related to the call, or if you are currently a student in a child development field who will complete your degree by June 1, 2025, you would be eligible. However, if neither condition applies, you do not meet the eligibility criteria.

No. All PIs and co-PIs must be in the early career stage, defined as within five years of receiving their Ph.D. This requirement reflects the purpose of the Early Career Small Grant, which is specifically designed to support early career scholars. Individuals who earned their Ph.D. more than five years ago are not eligible to serve as a PI or co-PI but may participate in other roles, such as consultant or senior advisor. 

SRCD does not set an end-date for spending project funds, so awardees are not expected to request no-cost extensions beyond the award period unless their university requires such approval. Awardees will need to submit an annual report in May until their project is completed.

If their university does require approval, we ask that a formal request in writing be sent from their sponsored projects office to scholar@srcd.org.

Unused/unexpended funds exceeding $500 USD will need to be returned to SRCD.

SRCD can transfer grants to the awardee’s new institution after their transition. In that case, awardees will need to provide a contact person from the new institution’s Sponsored Research Office.