Changemakers in Family Planning Grant

The Society of Family Planning, a private organization committed to advancing the science of abortion and contraception, has issued the 2026 Changemakers in Family Planning grant. This opportunity is rooted in the Society's acknowledgment of the institutionalized racism that continues to hinder the full participation of scholars of color in scientific research, particularly in the field of family planning. The grant program is designed to support emerging scholars of color by providing them with resources to build their research capacity, network, and mentorship, ultimately aligning with the Society’s broader vision of achieving equitable, just, and science-informed reproductive health care. The Changemakers grant focuses on supporting scholars of color within the first ten years of completing their terminal degree, who have not led major family planning research projects previously. Rather than funding original research, the grant offers a structured opportunity for career development. Awardees are expected to spend 18 months participating in mentorship, training, and networking activities that strengthen their research readiness and long-term potential to contribute to the field. The grant delivers a holistic set of supports to scholars, ranging from financial stipends to immersive professional development experiences. Awardees receive up to $60,000 in salary support over 18 months, with indirect costs capped at 20% of that amount. A minimum 10% time effort is required to qualify for funding. In addition, grantees are allocated $10,000 for research skills development expenses such as program fees and travel. Mentorship is another critical element of the award, with each scholar receiving $6,000 to contract two mentors—one identified by the scholar and one matched by the Society. These mentorship arrangements are supported administratively by Society staff to ensure alignment with the scholar’s goals. Additional benefits for awardees include complimentary membership in the Society for two years, fully covered travel and attendance at the 2026 and 2027 Society Annual Meetings, and engagement in a cohort of Changemakers scholars, including grantee-only events that foster peer networking. These supports are designed to foster a sense of community, enhance exposure to the broader field, and increase access to institutional knowledge and professional pathways. To apply, scholars must submit a comprehensive application via the Society’s online portal between January 13 and May 12, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Required components include an online application form, a summary of the applicant’s background and research goals, a four-page statement of research, a one-page career development plan, a one-page mentoring needs statement, a one-page budget, a CV (10 pages maximum), a letter of recommendation, and a signed protected time form from the applicant’s employer. All materials must be uploaded as a single PDF and formatted according to the guidelines (minimum font size of 11, 1.5 spacing). Applications are evaluated by a review panel of scholars and mentors of color based on the alignment of the applicant’s research goals with the Society’s vision, demonstrated expertise, positionality, and career development plans. Awards will be announced in August 2026, and the grant period runs from September 1, 2026, through March 1, 2028. Applicants with previous Society grants are encouraged to apply. Questions may be directed to [email protected]. This funding initiative is made possible through support from an anonymous foundation and complements other Society funding mechanisms.

Ensure alignment with the Society’s DEI vision and articulate positionality and career plan clearly.