80%
of our annual budget goes to
Science and Education
» learn more

The Leakey Foundation is pleased to announce we were given an 80% Efficiency Rating during our most recent audit.

This means the 80% of our annual budget is granted to scientists and used for our educational programs.

In the American Institute of Philanthropy’s view, 60% or greater is reasonable for most charities and the most highly efficient charities are able to spend 75% or more on programs.

From the AIP website: "AIP is a nationally prominent charity watchdog service whose purpose is to help donors make informed giving decisions."

We spend the remaining percentage on fundraising efforts and general administration.*

* AIP has not officially rated The Leakey Foundation.

Home > Grants > Applying > Applying for Research Grants > How to Apply for Research Grants

How to apply for Research Grants

Eligibility

Human origins research projects from PhDs and PhD Candidates (ABD) are eligible for Leakey Foundation Research Grants.

If you are thinking of applying for a General Research Grant ask yourself the following questions:

  • Is my research directly relevant to human origins and evolution?
  • Will I be advanced to candidacy before the deadline for application?(for Ph.D candidates)
  • Am I affiliated with an academic or research institution (we do not award funds to individuals)
  • Am I fully compliant on all prior Leakey Foundation awards?

If you answer “Yes” to all of the above questions, you are likely eligible for a Leakey Foundation General Grant.

If you answer “No” or “Maybe” to question #4, please write us at grants@leakeyfoundation.org to see how you may become compliant.

How to Apply

We now only accept Research Grants applications submitted through our website.

We have four separate applications. Please choose the link below that best describes your academic status and proposal:

Contact the Foundation office to make sure you have the most up-to-date information. Applications will only be accepted in English.

Deadlines

We have two deadlines for applications per year:

Deadline Notification by Semester
January 5th May 15th Spring
January 15th
(Resubmissions)		 May 15th Spring
July 15th December 15th Fall

Any applications received after a deadline will be considered in the following cycle.

Please contact us at grants@leakeyfoundation.org if you haven’t received your notification via the email address listed on your application by June 1st (Spring cycle) or December 20th (Fall cycle).

The Finer Points

Please use the checklist available here (PDF) to prepare materials and check your application.

Please check our list of helpful tips available here (PDF) to maximize your chances of funding.This document was compiled by our grants staff, and attempts to compile the most successful strategies used by previous applicants. It’s well worth reading.

Baldwin Fellowships

Please see How/Where to apply for Baldwin Fellowships.