The Russell Sage Foundation (RSF) is accepting Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) for its Core Research Grants under the programs for Future of Work (FOW) and Social, Political, and Economic Inequality (SPEI). Additionally, LOIs are welcomed for the special initiative on Promoting Educational Attainment and Economic Mobility among Racially, Ethnically, and Economically Diverse Groups after the 2023 Supreme Court Decision to Ban Race-Conscious Admissions at Colleges and Universities (SCD23). The deadline for LOI submissions is July 16, 2025, by 2:00 PM Eastern Time.

The purpose of these grants is to support innovative research that advances understanding in the specified areas. The FOW program focuses on the changing nature of work and its implications, while the SPEI program addresses issues related to social, political, and economic inequalities. The SCD23 initiative aims to explore strategies to promote educational attainment and economic mobility among diverse groups in light of recent legal changes affecting college admissions policies.

RSF provides funding to support high-quality research projects that align with the goals of the specified programs and initiatives. Detailed information regarding the scope of funding, including award ceilings and floors, is not specified in the provided information. Prospective applicants are encouraged to consult RSF's official funding guidelines for comprehensive details on funding amounts and allowable expenses.

Eligibility for these grants is open to researchers who can propose projects that fit within the thematic areas of FOW, SPEI, or SCD23. While specific eligibility criteria are not detailed in the provided information, RSF typically supports scholars affiliated with institutions of higher education or research organizations. Potential applicants should review RSF's eligibility requirements to ensure they meet all necessary qualifications.

Submission requirements include the completion of an LOI that outlines the proposed research, including specific information about the data and research design. RSF emphasizes the importance of adhering to their guidelines and recommends that applicants review grant writing resources and instructional webinars available on their website to understand the foundation's expectations fully.

The application process involves an initial LOI submission by the specified deadline. After a peer review process, approximately 15% of applicants will be invited to submit full proposals. The timeline for this cycle is as follows: LOI deadline on July 16, 2025; invited proposal deadline on October 27, 2025; funding decisions announced in March 2026; and grant start dates on or after May 1, 2026.

Applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with RSF's budget and eligibility requirements before applying. Detailed information and submission portals are available on RSF's official website.