Implementation Research Grant

FOR SEEKERS OF THE

to Improve Early Language & Literacy Outcomes

Application Process

Please take a moment to review the information in this section before submitting your application to ensure that your proposed research project properly aligns with the priorities and interests of the Deal Center. Be sure to adhere to the proposal guidelines located on this website and in the RFA.

The Deal Center will provide research grants totaling up to $250,000. Individual grants will be capped at a maximum of $50,000. Each grant is issued for one year. 

A detailed explanation of this year’s project requirements can be found in the RFA. If you have any questions throughout the application process, we encourage you to reach out to us. 

Mission & Purpose

Research from various fields has enhanced our understanding of effective strategies and interventions for children's language and literacy development from birth to age eight. However, fully implementing these best practices remains a challenge.

The Deal Center's research grants program aims to explore the successful application of evidence-based strategies. This initiative supports projects that investigate the implementation of these strategies in organizations serving children and families.

Areas of interest include developing and testing new implementation and de-implementation strategies, evaluating innovative methods for effective practices, and advancing research methodologies in implementation science.

The ultimate goal is to fund studies that create conditions for all children to achieve third-grade reading proficiency, aligning with the Get Georgia Reading framework of language nutrition, access, positive learning climate, and teacher effectiveness. Grantees are expected to design implementation research focused on enhancing early language and literacy practices. 

Eligibility & Fit

Eligible applicants include:  

  • University System of Georgia institutions or Georgia state agencies, employees, and affiliates. 

  • Non-USG colleges and universities or independent research professionals may participate as co-applicants in partnership with a state agency or USG partner acting as the primary applicant and fiscal agent.  

  • Non-USG colleges and universities or independent research professionals applying without a state agency or USG partner may be eligible for up to $24,000 in grant funding.   

Up to three partner organizations may be named in the application. Applications must demonstrate cross-sector collaboration between the primary applicant and at least one partner organization.  

Expectations for Successful Grantees

Grantees will be required to: 

  • Enter into a contract with the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, representing Georgia College & State University and the Deal Center.   

  • Provide mid-term and final reports detailing progress towards goals and partnerships, as outlined in the contract.   

  • Collaborate closely with the Deal Center for effective project implementation.   

  • Present findings at least once during a Sandra Dunagan Deal Center for Early Language and Literacy program or meeting.   

  • Include the Deal Center logos and appropriate language to acknowledge funding support in all marketing materials and presentations. The Deal Center will supply a high-resolution digital file for use on websites, media, and promotional materials as part of the awardees' contract. 

Applying Implementation Research

It often takes 17 years for only 14% of research to be implemented in community services, creating a significant gap in access to quality support for children and families (Balas, 1998; Balas & Boren, 2000; Green et al., 2009). The Deal Center focuses on funding research that examines the implementation of evidence-based practices for early language and literacy development in real-world settings.

Projects should address factors that aid or hinder implementation, such as provider skills, organizational capacity, and funding barriers. Emphasizing community engagement, the Center values collaboration with stakeholders to ensure research outcomes are relevant to families and practitioners. Goals include:  

  • Closing the research-to-practice gap in early literacy.  

  • Identifying strategies for sustaining evidence-based programs.  

  • Enhancing practitioner competencies for effective implementation.  

  • Scaling successful practices across educational sectors.  

Applications should detail research that applies implementation science principles to study the adoption and dissemination of effective early language and literacy practices. 

Apply

After examining the Deal Center's current Eligibility requirements, Expectations for Successful Grantees, and Frequently Asked Questions, interested applicants are encouraged to review the RFA before beginning their proposal. Project dates, including the RFA release schedule, webinars, and award announcements, will be found below when applicable; grant requests will be accepted during the application window through the Qualtrics application link located in the RFA.

Each organization is permitted to submit only one request per year for consideration.  

Organizations with questions about the application process or specific project requirements are encouraged to reach out to the Deal Center for assistance.