Leakey Foundation Research Grants on Human Origins and Evolution
The Leakey Foundation is the leading nonprofit funder of research dedicated to understanding human origins. Each year, we award approximately $1,000,000 in grants and scholarships, advancing our mission to explore and explain the human story.
Leakey Foundation Research Grants support both PhD dissertation research and post-PhD research across multiple disciplines related to human origins, evolution, and behavior. We prioritize funding for the exploratory phases of promising new research projects and innovative, multidisciplinary approaches that expand the boundaries of our current understanding.
We welcome proposals from researchers at all stages of their careers, especially PhD candidates. If your research aligns with our mission and you have an innovative or multidisciplinary project, we encourage you to apply.
Information for Applicants
This program exclusively funds research related to human origins, including dissertation research and exploratory studies.
The disciplines supported include archaeology, biological anthropology, paleoanthropology, primate behavioral ecology, genetics, geology, anatomy, morphology, paleobotany, and paleoclimatology.
Our current funding focus areas include:
- Paleoanthropology of the Miocene, Pliocene, and Pleistocene
- Primates: Evolution, behavior, morphology, ecology, endocrinology, genetics, isotope studies
- Modern hunter-gatherer groups
When to apply
- January 10 for spring cycle
- July 15 for fall cycle
Amounts
- Up to $20,000 for PhD candidates
- Up to $30,000 for post-PhD researchers
Who can apply
- Your research must be relevant to human origins and evolution.
- Applications are open to advanced doctoral students or post-PhD researchers.
- PhD students must be advanced to candidacy (all but dissertation).
- There are no citizenship requirements. Applications are open to candidates from anywhere in the world.
- Applicants must be affiliated with an institution such as a university or museum. We do not give directly to individuals.
- Resubmittals are welcome and encouraged.
- If you have received a Leakey Foundation grant in the past, you must complete all reporting requirements before receiving a new one.
Eligible expenses
- The grant can only be used for expenses directly related to your research and essential to the project such as travel, living expenses during fieldwork, supplies, and research expenses.
- Aid is not offered for salary and/or fringe benefits of applicant or senior project personnel, child care, equipment, travel to meetings, institutional overhead, publication costs, or institutional support.
How to apply
- Download the instructions and materials packet.
- Read and follow all instructions.
- Submit your application online.
If you have questions about the application or the eligibility of your research after reading the instructions, please review the frequently asked questions below.
If your question is not answered there, email grants@leakeyfoundation.org.
