Will the Institute publish the research?

Upon completion of a funded research project, the Institute may post a summary of the research outcomes on its website. For examples see Featured Research. The Institute retains the rights to post summaries and research reports on the work it funds, in print or electronically. Authors will retain copyright and the Institute posting will be completed in collaboration with authors. Papers published in journals will not be posted on the IOC website, but links to the publication in the relevant journal might be posted.

Please direct further questions to [email protected].

Will the Institute fund research that uses proprietary models?

Given that one goal of the Institute of Coaching is to advance the field of coaching as a whole, we do not fund research on coaching models, tools, or methods that are proprietary (i.e., trademarked, copyrighted, or otherwise protected) or primarily commercial in nature (i.e., exclusively associated with one author or group). Receiving funding from the IOC precludes any future decisions to create proprietary material based on research we have supported.

Will the Institute own the rights to the research?

No, the rights to the research will remain with the researcher, although findings are expected to be publicly available.

How long is the research paper expected to be?

There is no minimum or maximum length for research papers funded by the Institute of Coaching.

How quickly must the research project be completed?

Projects funded by the Institute of Coaching will be completed according to the timeline and schedule submitted as part of the application process. Usually they are completed within 18 months of contract approval.

Can I re-submit a proposal that was rejected?

No, you cannot resubmit a rejected proposal. However, you can submit a new proposal with new research questions or new methodology.

Can I submit more than one proposal at a time?

No, only one proposal per researcher can be considered at any one time.

What are the deadlines?

Pre-proposals can be submitted at any time throughout the year. We review full proposals quarterly. Deadlines for submission of full proposals are: February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1.

Does the IOC accept research grant applications from applicants outside the US?

Yes, we welcome international applicants.

Is an approval by the Internal Review Board (Ethics Committee) Required?

Yes. The project must be approved by the school or institution's Internal Review Board or Ethics Committee before funding can be transferred.

Can institutions apply for grants?

Yes.

Can graduate students apply for grants?

Yes. We strongly encourage graduate and post-graduate research applicants. The research project must have been approved by the student's academic advisors or dissertation committee before submission to the Institute of Coaching.

Can private companies apply for research grants from the Institute of Coaching?

No. We do not accept grant applications from private companies.

Given that one goal of the Institute of Coaching is to advance the field of coaching as a whole, we do not fund research on coaching models, tools, or methods that are proprietary (i.e., trademarked, copyrighted, or otherwise protected) or primarily commercial in nature (i.e., exclusively associated with one author or group).

Can independent researchers or practitioners apply for research grants?

Yes. There is no need to be affiliated with an academic or research institution in order to submit a research proposal. However, all researchers must demonstrate their experience in research and their understanding of research protocols, or show evidence that they have a research mentor or supervisor for the project with a doctoral degree and scholarly publication record. Additionally, all grant recipients must provide proof of ethics approval from an Institutional Review Board or ethics committee prior to receiving grant funds. Independent researchers and practitioners are encouraged to partner with universities or organizations for ethics review purposes.

When will I receive information about the Scientific Advisory Council’s decision?

You will be informed about the decision of your pre-proposal within 45 days of submission. You will be informed of the decision about the full proposal within 75 days of the submission deadline.

What is the review process for grant applications?

Please see review process

Who is eligible for a research grant from the Institute of Coaching?

Those interested in contributing to the evidence base of coaching through research and affiliated with academic institutions, non-profit organizations or independent are eligible to submit a pre-proposal for funding consideration by the Institute of Coaching. Any insights gleaned from IOC-funded research must exist in the public domain. Accepting funding support precludes future decisions to create proprietary material based on research we have supported.

Is there a limit on how many pre proposals I can submit?

Yes, we accept one pre proposal from any one individual per calendar year.  

Pre-Proposal Requirements

What is the application procedure?

The application process begins with a brief pre-proposal, including an application form, 2-page project description, CV and budget. Details about how to submit a pre-proposal are outlined on the pre-proposal tab. Pre-proposals can be submitted any time throughout the year. The pre-proposal will be reviewed by members of the IOC Director of Research  and you will be notified within 45 days if you can proceed with a full grant application.

What types of research can be supported by the grants?

We welcome research proposals that advance the science, theory, profession and practice of coaching, employing quantitative, qualitative or mixed research methods. We grant two types of Grants: Scientific Inquiry Grant and Graduate Student Fellowship Grant

What are allowable expenses for an Institute of Coaching grant?

Please see budget guidelines here

Please note: Given that one goal of the Institute of Coaching is to advance the field of coaching as a whole, we do not fund research on coaching models, tools, or methods that are proprietary (i.e., trademarked, copyrighted, or otherwise protected) or primarily commercial in nature (i.e., exclusively associated with one author or group). Accepting funding support precludes future decisions to create proprietary material based on research we have supported.

What type of grants are most likely to be funded?

Grant Proposal Expectations from the Scientific Advisory Council reviewers:

  • Coaching Research Grant proposals must be grounded in the current coaching science literature and clearly articulate how the project will extend and advance that scholarship.
  • Applications should include a concise but thorough literature review, identify specific gaps or inconsistencies, and explain the theoretical framework guiding your research questions.
  • We prioritize studies that investigate the mechanisms of coaching—that is, how and why coaching works—rather than additional effectiveness studies in new populations.
  • Proposals must present a rigorous, feasible methodology (design, sampling, measures, and analyses) and demonstrate that the investigative team and setting can deliver high quality research within the grant period.
  • SAC reviewers will look for originality, conceptual clarity, and practical implications for coaching practice, training, and policy.

Encouraged Research Areas

  • Artificial Intelligence and Coaching
  • Mental Health and Wellbeing Coaching
  • Leadership and Organizational Coaching
  • Other innovative coaching research topics