William T. Grant Foundation’s Kim DuMont Visits McBee Institute to Share Research Funding Opportunities

On Monday, May 12, the Louise McBee Institute of Higher Education welcomed Dr. Kim DuMont, Senior Vice President of Programs at the William T. Grant Foundation, for an engaging presentation on the Foundation’s mission and research funding opportunities. Speaking to faculty and students, Dr. DuMont offered valuable insights into how scholars whose work aligns with the Foundation’s goals can secure support for impactful research.  

Dr. DuMont, who previously served as a program officer and senior program officer at the Foundation from 2011-2022, was instrumental in the 2014 launch of the Reducing Inequality Initiative and the 2015 redesign of the Improving the Use of Research Evidence Initiative. She also led the development and implementation of the Institutional Challenge Grant, one of the Foundation’s signature initiatives. 

“Every funding interest we have — whether it’s our research grants, our Scholars Program, or the Institutional Challenge Grant — tracks back to our focus areas,” Dr. DuMont explained. “If you have a strong understanding of our focus areas, you can build a strong application on top of that.” 

During her talk, Dr. DuMont outlined the Foundation’s two primary research initiatives. The Reducing Inequality Initiative, which supports studies aims at addressing disparities in youth outcomes, and the Improving the Use of Research Evidence Initiative, which funds work that enhances how research informs policy and practice.  

She also highlighted other funding opportunities, including the William T. Grant Scholars Program, which supports the career development of promising early-career researchers, and the Institutional Challenge Grant, which encourages long-term partnerships between academic institutions and public or nonprofit organizations to reduce inequality in youth outcomes.  

"Kim DuMont's visit was a tremendous opportunity for the McBee Institute, as her insights and dedication exemplify the important work of the William T. Grant Foundation,” said Erik Ness, McBee IHE Director and Professor. “As a former grant recipient, I have seen first-hand how intentional and thoughtful the W.T. Grant Foundation is in supporting and developing researchers as they lead projects that ultimately improve the lives of young people, including college students." 

The McBee Institute is grateful to Dr. DuMont for her visit and for sharing her expertise and guidance on advancing equity-driven research through these funding opportunities.