Research Impact Grant
Applications for the Research Impact Grant are now closed. The next round opens in February 2027 — sign up to our newsletter or follow us on socials and we’ll let you know the moment it does.
Our 2026 winner:
Annette Carroll
Annette Carroll is a PhD candidate at La Trobe University’s Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC), and the winner of our 2026 Research Impact Grant. Her project, Feelings & Flourishing, is a co-designed practical toolkit that helps early childhood educators read and support the wellbeing of autistic children aged nought to five.
We’re backing Annette with $20,000 in grant funding plus $10,000 in implementation funding — and thanks to OTARC’s nationally funded autism knowledge hub, the finished toolkit will be distributed free to educators right across Australia.
The background research is done. Next comes co-design with educators, families and autistic children, and a four-week pilot in real early learning rooms. We can’t wait to see it.
About the grant
This one-time grant of up to $20,000 AUD supports PhD or EdD candidates whose research focuses on early childhood education (ages 0–5). The funding is designed to help you move your research beyond the university setting — into communities, classrooms, and systems where it can make a tangible difference.
Funds may be used for activities such as:
Developing educational materials or tools based on your research.
Partnering with early childhood services or community organisations.
Running pilot programs or training initiatives for educators or families.
Hosting workshops or public engagement events.
Disseminating findings through open-access publications or practitioner resources.
Please note: grant funds cannot be used toward university tuition or enrolment fees.
Who can Apply
Eligible applicants must:
Be current doctoral candidates (PhD or EdD) who have reached candidacy stage.
Be enrolled full-time at a recognised Australian institution.
Be Australian citizens or permanent residents.
Have research that directly addresses early childhood education (0–5 years).
Selection Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
Significance and Relevance – How important the research is for improving outcomes for children, educators, or families.
Evidence of Impact – Demonstrated or potential real-world outcomes from the research.
Clarity and Feasibility – The strength and practicality of the proposed impact plan.
Application Details
Funding amount: Up to $20,000 AUD (one-time grant)
Grant timeframe: Typically 12–18 months to complete project activities
All applications must include:
Completed application form
Research summary (approx. 500 words)
Detailed impact plan and budget (up to 800 words)
Responses to the three selection criteria
Proof of current doctoral enrolment and relevant qualifications.
Register your interest for our 2027 Research Grant
Be the first to know when applications open
Building Impact Together
The Fraser Foundation is committed to helping you bring your research to life. We can provide guidance, connect you with early childhood networks, and invite recipients to share their work through sector events, blogs, or webinars.
Together, we can ensure that research has lasting impact — supporting Australia’s youngest learners, their families, and the educators who shape their futures.
"The Fraser Foundation stands at the forefront of Early Childhood Education and Care, and we are both honoured and delighted to support their innovative education initiatives. Their recognition of the excellence in our programs and the calibre of our students underscores their commitment to our shared mission. We value their support immensely as we strive together towards making meaningful impacts in young children’s lives."
— Professor Amy Cutter-Mackenzie-Knowles, Executive Dean, Faculty of Education, Southern Cross University