The Washington Center for Equitable Growth is accepting proposals for research under the theme “The Economic Effects of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)”. This grant opportunity seeks to generate rigorous, policy-relevant research that deepens understanding of how the IRA’s design, coordination, and implementation influence equitable economic outcomes, especially in the context of the clean energy transition.

Eligible applicants include researchers affiliated with U.S. colleges or universities and Ph.D. candidates in the dissertation stage at U.S. institutions. While non-U.S. and unaffiliated researchers may participate as collaborators, the Principal Investigator (PI) must be U.S.-based and affiliated with a college or university that will administer the grant. PIs with open Equitable Growth grants that extend beyond July 1, 2025 are not eligible, but Co-PIs and collaborators with open grants may apply.

Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Thursday, May 22, 2025. Funding decisions will be announced in July 2025, with the intent to disburse funds by the start of the 2025–2026 academic year. Grant periods are expected to last up to two years, with modest extensions considered if well justified.

Funding levels typically range from $25,000 to $80,000, and grants may cover a wide range of costs, including salaries, fringe benefits (up to 35%), tuition, data acquisition, research assistance, and travel. Indirect costs are not allowable, and summer salary is capped at $20,000 per year per PI.

Equitable Growth is particularly interested in research that:

Uses novel or underutilized data sources.

Analyzes labor market effects, including job creation, wage growth, regional outcomes, and labor protections.

Investigates innovation and investment patterns in domestic clean energy and industrial revitalization.

Examines spillover impacts from IRA investments.

Evaluates the effectiveness of policy tools like tax credits, grants, or loans.

Studies the distributional effects of the IRA across race, gender, region, occupation, or income.

Applicants must submit:

A six-page proposal (template provided), including research question, methodology, data access status, literature contribution, and policy relevance.

A two-page abbreviated CV for the PI.

A budget, using Equitable Growth’s template.

Submissions must be completed through Equitable Growth’s online application portal. Questions and technical assistance requests can be directed to grants@equitablegrowth.org or 202-276-3368. Optional 15-minute meetings with staff to discuss proposals can also be scheduled in advance.

Selected grantees may also receive support for translating findings into policy and for participation in briefings, media engagement, and other outreach activities. Diversity in researchers and disciplines is encouraged and supported.