The Russell Sage Foundation (RSF) offers grants through its program on Social, Political, and Economic Inequality to support original research that investigates the factors contributing to these inequalities in the United States. The program explores how such inequalities influence a variety of outcomes, including educational and labor market opportunities, social and economic mobility, and civic engagement. RSF encourages projects that examine the relevance of socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, gender, geographic, and immigration statuses in shaping social, political, and economic outcomes across different groups.

RSF seeks innovative research proposals that provide new insights into how inequalities develop and impact individuals, families, and communities. Projects that utilize newly available data or make novel uses of existing data are particularly encouraged, as are proposals that include original data collection when aligned with RSF’s program priorities. While RSF supports a range of research methods, including surveys, experiments, and qualitative studies, all projects must have a strong conceptual framework and rigorous research design. The Foundation emphasizes the importance of well-specified analytical models and appropriate research methods.

RSF does not prioritize research focused on health outcomes or health behaviors, as these are supported by other funders. Similarly, the Foundation seldom supports studies on educational processes or curricula unless they address the broader causes and consequences of educational inequalities.

Research questions of interest to RSF include topics such as the impact of economic inequality on social mobility, the effects of policies on reducing inequality, how political participation and representation are influenced by inequalities, and the impact of climate change on social and economic wellbeing. RSF also welcomes studies on the long-term effects of living in segregated neighborhoods, the criminal justice system’s role in perpetuating inequality, and the psychological consequences of economic inequality.

Funding through RSF can be used for a variety of research expenses, including research assistance, data acquisition, and investigator time. Trustee Grants are capped at $200,000 over two years (including up to 15% indirect costs), while Presidential Awards are capped at $50,000 over two years (with no indirect costs). In certain cases, when there are special needs for data collection or multiple assistant professor investigators, grants of up to $75,000 may be requested.

A brief Letter of Inquiry (LOI) must be submitted to determine if the project aligns with RSF’s program priorities. If the LOI is approved, applicants can submit a full proposal. All applications must be submitted through RSF’s online system, Fluxx. For further questions, applicants are encouraged to contact James Wilson, Program Director, at programs@rsage.org.