ABS is especially interested in Scripture Engagement programs that impact people who are between ages 18 – 35.

Proposals should aim to:

1. Increase the frequency and duration of meaningful interactions with the Bible among next-generation adults.
2. Guide participants to consider of how Scripture applies to their daily lives.
3. Encourage individuals who are merely curious about the Bible to begin consistently engaging with it.
4. Be contextualized for participants from different Christian traditions (e.g., Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, etc.).
5. Include an evaluation component that tracks changes in Scripture engagement, along with other quantitative and/or qualitative measures.
6. Demonstrate scalability and potential for replication in diverse settings and among various groups.
7. Include a final report that will be shared with the American Bible Society’s community of scholars and may be published in an academic journal.

Grant Timeline:

• Research grant applications will be reviewed starting 30 April, 2025, and will continue until all grants are awarded.
• Initial awards will be announced by 31 May, 2025.
• Funds will be distributed following selection and completion of a formal grant agreement.

Eligibility Criteria:

Grants are available to university or college faculty members with a proven record of research in spiritual formation or discipleship, specifically with next-generation adults. Grants may be awarded to individuals or research teams with an identified principal investigator.

Proposal Requirements:

Proposals should include the following components:

1. Program Narrative: A general overview of the proposed program, including the issue or need being addressed, a description of the study design, and the expected impact on participants. The program should be informed by relevant literature and provide theoretical support for its rationale. (Maximum 500 words).
2. Detailed Plan of Action: A timeline outlining major milestones and steps to complete the project. This detailed plan will be submitted once the proposal is accepted and before funding is provided.
3. Budget: A one-page summary of the program’s proposed budget, including anticipated programmatic and personnel expenses and the requested grant amount.
4. Communication Plan: A description of how the project results will be shared with relevant stakeholders, including academic journals, Christian higher education, and the Church broadly.
5. Curriculum Vitae: A CV for each team member, compiled into one concise document.

Intellectual Property Rights:

Intellectual property resulting from the funded programs will be owned by the research team. American Bible Society will receive non-exclusive perpetual rights to use the results in creating its own materials without limitation.

Proposal Submission Instructions:

Please submit your proposal by email as a single PDF, including the following items in the order listed:

• Cover letter
• Proposal narrative (not to exceed 500 words)
• Budget
• Communication plan
• Curriculum vitae for each team member
• Letters of support (optional)

Proposals must be emailed by 30 April, 2025. Submissions and inquiries may be directed to:

Sandra Siggins

Research & Evaluation Manager  American Bible Society

ssiggins@americanbible.org