IOC Coaching Research Grants

Coming Soon:

The research grant application process is opening soon. We will invite pre-proposals in late 2021, and begin review of full grant applications in 2022.

Please join our IOC mailing list to get an alert when the grant application process is open.

The IOC Coaching Research Grant program supports scientific inquiry that advances the field of coaching. The program began in 2009 thanks to the visionary thought leadership and deep generosity of Ruth Ann Harnisch, Institute Founder & Benefactor. A gift from the Harnisch Foundation funded our grant program for 10 years.

In 2021, the International Coaching Federation pledged five years of grant funding at $100,000 per year.

We welcome research proposals which advance the science, profession, and practice of coaching, employing quantitative and/or qualitative research methods. Our grants support researchers, graduate students, and coaching scholar-practitioners in conducting coaching research, providing a wonderful opportunity to expand the body of knowledge on coaching effectiveness in a wide variety of settings in healthcare, life, and work.

Types of Grants

We offer three types of grants: Research Project, Graduate Student Fellowship, and Travel Grants.

In each case, the submission and approval of a pre-proposal is required before a full proposal can be submitted.

Research Project Grants

You are invited to apply for this grant if you would like to conduct empirical research in coaching and are seeking funds to support your project.

We offer research project grants of up to $40,000 per project (normally up to 18 months). On rare occasions additional funding and time may be considered. Applicants must demonstrate competence in conducting and completing research. We welcome research proposals which advance the science, profession, and practice of coaching, employing quantitative, qualitative, or mixed research methods.

Graduate Student Fellowships

You are invited to apply for this fellowship if you are a Masters or Doctoral candidate seeking support for your coaching dissertation research. Awards of up to $10,000 each are offered for high quality research projects that have received institutional approval.

Travel Awards

If you have completed non-proprietary, empirically sound coaching research and would like to present your findings at the annual Coaching in Leadership and Healthcare Conference sponsored by Harvard Medical School Department of Continuing Education, we invite you to apply for a travel award by February 1st of the conference year. Travel awards may cover air or train fare to Boston, ground transportation, hotel accommodation for the duration of the conference, meals, and sundries of up to $2500 with the submission of receipts.

Request for Proposal Grants

On occasion we announce a request for research proposals on a specific aspect of coaching. The purpose of these funds is to stimulate research into a priority area. Information on these applications will be provided when RFP announcements are made. There are currently no RFP announcements.

How to Apply