Invitation to Submit Grant Applications
Funding is available annually for research that informs policy and/or practice relating to the role of principals and vice-principals in Ontario public schools.
What are the research grants?
OPC will award one annual research grant of $10,000 to support research on effective mental health partnerships with schools; effective models and how they are being implemented.
What types of research will be considered?
The purpose of the research is to provide valuable data and analysis on current trends related to the role of principals and vice-principals in Ontario. Each year a current theme for investigation is selected.
Who may apply for a grant?
Applications are invited from educators and educational researchers in Ontario. Principals and vice-principals are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to joint school-based action research proposals from teams from more than one institution – e.g. a school and a university.
How will I develop my research proposal?
Guidelines for developing a research proposal can be found in The OPC Register (Vol.4 No. 1, March 2002) article entitled “Expanding Our Professional Knowledge through School-based Research” or at www.principals.on.ca (OPC Research).
Who will select the project for funding?
Selection of project for approval by the OPC will be made by a panel of practising school administrators.
What is the criteria for selection?
When selecting the project for funding the committee will consider the following factors:
- The inquiry must be relevant to the changing role of principals and vice-principals.
- The project should use sound research methodology appropriate to the inquiry or question being asked.
- The analysis/findings should be potentially useful for policy and practice related to principals and vice-principals in Ontario public schools.
- Consideration will be given to qualitative and quantitative studies as well as action research and case studies.
How do I apply for a research grant?
Please send grant applications to:
Research Review Committee
Ontario Principals’ Council
180 Dundas Street West, 25th Floor
Toronto, ON M5G 1Z8
Complete all sections of the application. It is the researcher’s responsibility to obtain all necessary approvals for research funded by the OPC.
When are grant applications due?
All applications must be received at the OPC office by April 30th of the year in which you are applying.
When will I know if I have received funding?
A written response will be sent for all applications by May 31st.
How will I report on the research?
Reporting will be in two stages:
First, an interim report will be required on or before January 31st.
Second, a research report should be completed and submitted to the OPC by the following August 1st.
Candidates who receive funding from the OPC must provide an abstract summarizing the results of their research, along with four or five key words that will easily distinguish the research report to Members when typed into an Internet search engine.
All researchers of funded projects are expected to provide a short article on their findings for the OPC’s quarterly publication, The Register.
Submitting a Research Grant Application
Please provide the following information.
(The proposal should not exceed five single-spaced pages and resumés are additional.)
Name of principal researcher
Names of other researchers involved in the project
Attach a short resumé for each researcher
Contact name, address, telephone number, fax number and e-mail address
The Proposal – submit information under the following headings:
a) Title of research or topic to be researched
b) The major research question
c) Statement of objectives: limit the goals to those that can reasonably be attained with the time and resources available
d) Background to the question being researched: provide a rationale and context for the study
e) Significance of proposed work: why is it important that this work be carried out? How will it assist administrators in Ontario public schools?
f) Design and methodology: describe the methodology to be used, sample data to be collected and analysis of the data.
Timeline: outline the tasks that will be accomplished between June and the following August when the final report is due
Budget: attach a detailed budget with the requested level of funding. Maximum amount of grant is $10,000 (no funding for capital items, e.g. computers and scanners)
Sign the bottom of the application.
To download the application form and checklist click here.