The Leakey Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to funding scientific research that explores the many facets of human origins and sharing the results of this research through our innovative educational programs. Its mission is to increase scientific knowledge, education, and public understanding of human origins, evolution, behavior, and survival. Further, the foundation promotes a multidisciplinary approach to exploring human origins. Hence, The Leakey Foundation provides more than $800,000 Research grants annually in field and laboratory grants for vital new research and long-term projects. Moreover, it gives special encouragement to early career scientists asking new questions and seeking innovative ways to answer these questions about human evolution. Like venture capitalists, The Leakey Foundation understands that the greatest rewards come from taking the greatest risks.

Eligibility

Advanced doctoral students (advanced to candidacy – all but dissertation) and established scientists are eligible for Leakey Foundation Research Grants. There are no citizenship restrictions. International Students may apply for the research grants. However, all applications must be in English.

Funding

The Leakey Foundation exclusively provide grants for research related specifically to human origins. Priority of funding is commonly given to exploratory phases of promising new research projects that meet the stated purpose of the Foundation. The majority of The Leakey Foundation Research Grants awarded to doctoral students are in the $3,000-$15,000 range. Furthermore, Senior scientists and post-doctoral students may receive a large grant up to $25,000.

Required Documents

• Completed Online Application
• 6-7 Page Proposal Text
• 2-Page References/Works Cited Section
• 1-Page Itemized Budget Sheet
• 1-Page Budget Justification
• Figures & Tables (If applicable)
• Appendices (If applicable)
• Permit Copies (or a summary statement on the status of permissions)
• 2-Page Applicant’s CV (including publication list)
• Other Investigators’ Curriculum Vitae (2 pages apiece, including publication list)
• Further, resubmitted proposals require an additional cover letter which outlines modifications and adjustments to
  the original proposal.
• Also, the Academic Advisor Reference Letter (grad students only). This is to be sent directly from the advisor.
• However, reference letters included with the application will not be accepted.

How To Apply

We now only accept applications through our online system. Please click here for links to the application.

You will require to submit a formal application for Research Grants. If you are concerned as to whether your research topic is eligible, contact the Foundation at least a month ahead of the application deadline. The relevance of your project to understanding human origins must be explicit throughout your application.

Contact the Foundation office to make sure you have the most up-to-date information. Complete the formal application in English.

Your application must be legible and reproducible. All PDF sections of your application must adhere to the following guidelines. All applicants must use the following formatting instructions.

Applications which do not comply with these instructions will not be accepted for review:

• In PDF format, page size appx. 8 1/2″ x 11″
• Dark (black) type
• At least 12 point typeface (typeface this size or larger)
• At least 1/2 inch margins
• However, Do not attempt to squeeze more text onto a page by using smaller typefaces or margins.
• Readability is a more important concern than page count for all sections.
• Also, You may use Smaller typefaces only in the reference list.

Deadlines

The deadlines for research grant applications are January 10th and July 15th.  All submissions and resubmissions are due on this date.