CRS Research Grants
For more than half a century, the Creation Research Society (CRS) has been a leader in supporting and publishing creation research. While we do have our own research projects (iDINO and eKINDS), a key component of advancing the creation model is offering research grants to members of the society. After all, research is our middle name!
Anyone can be involved: apply for a grant, pray for our endeavors, donate to the cause.
History and Purpose
It is crucial for creation research to investigate the world around us. We need to engage both the current scientific literature and Scripture as we build the creation model in various scientific fields. CRS exists to support and publish such research. Only through high quality research can we equip Christians with strong, sound apologetic arguments that demonstrate the robustness of the creation model. In this way, we bring glory to our awesome God as He becomes more clearly revealed as Creator, Sustainer, and Righteous Judge.
One of the advantages for the supporters of evolution is that large government grants are available for their projects. Projects in support of creation, however, are not afforded the same opportunity. CRS has been a leader in raising money that supports independent research projects. Grants cover a variety of topics, as can be seen in this synopsis of previous grants:
Astronomical Sciences - Research grants supported Dr. Ron Samec’s investigation of binary stars. Numerous students were involved in making observations, and were co-authors on several of the papers. Not only was valuable scientific data added to our knowledge of binaries, which comprise 50% of all known stars, but the work also clarified why the observations contradict the long ages of the standard paradigm and how the observations can be viewed in a biblical model.
Life Sciences - A CRS grant was awarded to Dr. Joe DeWeese for research on topoisomerase, an amazingly complex molecule that untangles DNA and shows the care of our Creator. Another CRS grant supported the high-altitude research of Dr. Jean Lightner. It demonstrated that God did not leave adaptation to chance and spawned the eKINDS research initiative.
Earth Sciences- A research grant was awarded to Peter Kleverg and Michael Oard to determine the amount of erosion around the Great Falls, Montana, area based on thin section characteristics of sandstone samples at or near the surface. This is significant because it is an example of the enormous erosion that occurred on the continents as they rose out of the Floodwater in the Recessive Stage of the Flood.
Who can apply, and how much money is available?
Research grants are available to CRS members for research related to understanding the natural world from a biblical viewpoint. Students may apply if they have a CRS member with a graduate degree mentoring them on the project.
Typical CRS research grants are for $5000 or less. This covers various expenses for items such as equipment or supplies, travel to a study site, and sometimes a modest salary. Any equipment purchased with CRS funds become the property of CRS. We now also allow for limited travel funds for researchers to present at the CRS conference (see section below). Even if your project is over $5000, we encourage you to apply so we can consider it.
Types of Projects funded
CRS will fund research in a variety of fields that advance our understanding within a biblical framework. Fields include:
Astronomical Sciences, Bible/Theology, Earth Sciences, Engineering, Life Sciences, and Social Sciences
Travel funds to present research
The following constraints limit the travel funds:
- The expenses are reimbursed after travel with the submission of appropriate receipts.
- The researchers must present research funded by the grant to receive the reimbursement.
- The amount reimbursed is a maximum of $1000 per CRS conference, even if results from more than one grant are presented.
- The conference registration fee receipt may be submitted as part of the travel expenses to be reimbursed.
- The research must be presented at a CRS conference while the grant is active or within 12 months of the completion of the grant to qualify. Requests for reimbursement must be submitted within 8 months following the CRS conference in which the presentation was made.
Process for applying
Grants requests are considered from August 15th through April 30th.
From May 1st through most of the summer, researchers can write up their requests and ask questions, but the grant request should be submitted during the time specified above. If you have any questions, you can contact the Research Committee Chair anytime at Researchchair@creationresearch.org.
To apply for a grant:
- Submit a grant proposal: Download the grant proposal form and fill it in according to the instructions. The grants should be very clear on how the research relates to Scripture and advances the creation model. Submit it between August 15 and April 30 to Researchchair@creationresearch.org along with the other pertinent documents in Step 2.
- The grant proposal should be accompanied by a resume/CV for each of the principal researcher(s). Note: the primary investigator must have an active CRS membership. Additionally, a detailed budget must be submitted using the linked form. If desired, the researchers may ask for up to a total of $1000 to be reimbursed for travel to the CRS conference to present the findings. See Travel Funds to Present Research section above.
What to expect after applying
The research committee will review the grant after all documents are received. One of three possible outcomes may result: rejection, a request for revision, or acceptance.
Once a grant is accepted, a contract will be drawn up and signed. This will include a grant number, and various provisions to ensure the money goes for its intended purpose. A blank sample of the contract can be found here. Feel free to ask questions of the Research Chair via Researchchair@creationresearch.org.
Once the contract is signed, it is time for the research to begin and the expenses to be recorded. All further submission, updates and queries should be directed through Researchchair@creationresearch.org.
Giving to support creation research
As mentioned above, we want more researchers to get involved, especially younger ones. For those who share this vision, we ask you to prayerfully consider making a donation toward biblically-based research.
Creation science effectively destroys arguments and lofty opinions raised against the knowledge of God (c.f., 2 Corinthians 10:4–5). We are providing an alternative to the evolutionary paradigm. Your donations have a huge potential impact!
You can donate online at https://www.creationresearch.org/donate/, or contact us at crsvarc@crsvarc.com, by phone at 928.636.1153, or by mail at:
CRS Van Andel Creation Research Center
1 W. Firestorm Way #145
Glendale, AZ 85306
Thank you so much for your support!