Russell Sage Foundation

The severe consequences of the Covid19-pandemic, including its economic disruptions, and the recent mass protests to combat systemic racial inequality in policing and other institutions have reaffirmed the importance of social science research examining economic, political, racial, ethnic, generational, and social inequalities relevant to public policy and social change. RSF encourages proposals that analyze any of these issues on topics of interest. 1. Future of Work (FOW): supports innovative research on the causes and consequences of changes in the quality of jobs for less- and moderately skilled workers and their families. The sponsor seeks investigator-initiated research proposals that will broaden our understanding of the role of changes in employer practices, the nature of the labor market and public policies on employment, earnings, and job quality. The foundation is especially interested in proposals that address questions about the interplay of market and non-market forces in shaping the well being of workers, today and in the future. 2. Social, Political and Economic Inequality: supports innovative research on the factors that contribute to social, political and economic inequalities in the U.S., and the extent to which those inequalities affect social, psychological, political, and economic outcomes, including educational access, job opportunities, social mobility, civic participation and representation, and the transmission of advantage and disadvantage within and across generations. We seek innovative investigator-initiated research that will expand our understanding of social, political, and economic inequalities and the mechanisms by which they influence the lives of individuals and families. RSF welcomes projects that explore the relevance of economic, racial, ethnic, age, gender, immigration, residence, or other statuses for the distribution of social, political, and economic outcomes within and across these groups. RSF is particularly interested in analyses that make use of newly available data or demonstrate novel uses of existing data. We also support original data collection when a project is focused on important program priorities. Proposals to conduct field experiments, in-depth qualitative interviews, and ethnographies are also encouraged. RSF encourages methodological variety and inter-disciplinary collaboration. 3. Race, Ethnicity & Immigration supports innovative investigator-initiated research on the social, economic, and political effects of the changing racial and ethnic composition of the U.S. population, including the transformation of communities and ideas about what it means to be American. We are especially interested in research that examines the roles of race, ethnicity, nativity, gender, and legal status in outcomes for immigrants, U.S.-born racial and ethnic minorities, and native-born whites. RSF encourages multi-disciplinary perspectives and methods that both strengthen the data, theory, and methods of social science research and foster a better understanding of how to foster the ideals of a pluralist society. Eligibility. All applicants (both PIs and Co-PIs) must have a doctorate. In rare circumstances, RSF may consider applications from scholars who do not hold a doctorate but can demonstrate a strong career background that establishes their ability to conduct high-level, peer-reviewed scholarly research. Funding: Trustee Grants are generally capped at $175,000, including 15% indirect costs. Presidential Grants are capped at $35,000 (no indirect costs). PIs may request up to $50,000 (no indirect costs) when the proposed research project has special needs for gathering data (e.g.: qualitative research) or gaining access to restricted-use data.