Motivation in Democratic Life

The Quest for Innovation

The John G. Nicholls Trust was formed to stimulate the work of scholars whose methods or goals provide a unique and promising approach to the study of motivation. This is the final year of the Trust and we are proud to highlight the work of the individuals whose work has been sponsored by our organization. We would like to also thank the many senior scholars who have helped us find outstanding applications for the small research grants we have awarded over the past 6 years. Throughout the life of this fund we will have awarded approximately $18,000 to advanced doctoral students and new assistant professors, an amount three times the initial investment made by the individuals who wished to honor John Nicholls' life and work.

The funds of The John G. Nicholls Trust have been managed by the Seattle Foundation, an organization that will continue to accept funds for the Trust for the remainder of the year. The Seattle Foundation invests our funds in the stock market, and disperses them at our request. You may make tax-deductible contributions to the fund by sending a check made out to the John G. Nicholls Trust to Matt Birkeland, The Seattle Foundation, 425 Pike Street, Suite 510, Seattle, WA 98101-2234. To liquidate the fund, we will be sponsoring conference travel for graduate students presenting exemplary research on motivation.

Those of us honoring the life of John Nicholls knew that he pursued the study of motivation by relying on traditional and innovative research strategies. Susan Nolen, in her introductory remarks made at the 1996 Conference of the American Educational Research Association, talked about John's work. Feel free to access this biographical speech.

Click here for information about David Shernoff, the 2000-2001 grant recipient

Click here for information about Vivian Tseng, the 1999-2000 grant recipient

Click here for information about Matthew DiCinto and Sandra Dixon, the 1998-1999 grant recipients

Click here for information about Diana Joseph, the 1997-1998 grant recipient

Click here for information about Patty Whang, the 1996-1997 grant recipient

Click here for the Board of Trustees