The Civic Health Initiative works to identify and cross-promote funding opportunities such as the following for students, faculty members and research staff.
For students
Research!America offers microgrants of up to $4,000 to STEM groups led by master’s, PhD, postdoctoral, or professional students. These grants support projects that foster dialogue with public officials, community leaders, and the public on shared concerns.
Grantees gain experience in communication, program planning, and public policy, while making a local impact.
Applications are accepted in the fall.
The Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service supports students who are passionate about helping others, have experience serving their communities and demonstrate a broad vision of what is possible through public service. The program selects students in their second year of undergraduate study who will begin their third year in the fall.
Over the course of two years, the program offers opportunities for students to refine their values-based leadership approach, build bridges across communities and cultivate their curiosity as they deepen their commitment to public service careers.
Selected students can receive up to $80,000 in a combination of financial aid and travel funding.
For faculty and research staff
The Center for the Study of Federalism offers grants of up to $15,000 for original research or writing that advances understanding of federalism as a principle of American government, law or politics.
Eligible topics include (but are not limited to): political theory, history, public policy, constitutional law, institutions, behavior and culture. Projects must focus on U.S. federalism, though comparative studies are welcome if they significantly enhance understanding of the U.S. context.
Applicants must hold a doctoral degree and have a record of published research. Scholars from colleges, universities and independent research institutions are encouraged to apply.
Application deadlines are March 15 and September 15.
The Democracy, Ethics, and Public Trust (DEPT) Initiative supports efforts to reimagine and revitalize democratic culture and practices. Rather than focusing on democratic mechanisms, the initiative aims to strengthen the underlying fabric of democracy by fostering new research, piloting experimental approaches and building networks and relationships.
DEPT’s grantmaking advances three core goals:
- Developing healthy, equitable and accessible media and information ecosystems
- Encouraging community participation in policymaking and collaboration with government
- Strengthening public confidence in democracy’s ability to ensure collective well-being
Grants range from $15,000 to $350,000, with applications accepted on a rolling basis.
The IBM Center for The Business of Government partners with leading scholars and nonprofit experts to produce research that helps public sector executives improve government effectiveness. The Center seeks practical, actionable insights — not just theory — to address mission and management challenges.
Each report is eligible for up to $20,000 in funding. Application deadlines are in July and December.
The Knight Foundation supports building engaged, inclusive, and equitable communities to strengthen democracy in the 26 cities where the Knight brothers once operated newspapers. An engaged community is defined as one where people participate in civic life, feel connected to their city and are committed to its future.
The current areas of focus for this program are Downtown and Neighborhood Revitalization, Public Spaces, Economic Opportunity and “Smart Cities” as Responsive Cities. Funding calls are issued throughout the year with varying award amounts.
The Russell Sage Foundation (RSF) provides external grants for social science research. Funding supports research assistance, data acquisition and analysis, and investigator time for conducting studies and writing results.
RSF prioritizes projects that use newly available or creatively repurposed data to explore emerging or enduring questions within its core program areas: Behavioral Economics, The Future of Work, Race, Ethnicity, and Immigration, and Social, Political, and Economic Inequality. Original data collection is supported, and proposals involving field experiments, qualitative interviews or ethnographies are encouraged.
Grants typically range from $50,000 to $200,000, with three funding cycles per year.