Core Research Grants - Social, Political, and Economic Inequality

The Russell Sage Foundation’s Core Research Grants program addresses social, political, and economic inequalities in the U.S. It investigates the factors contributing to these disparities and their impact on various outcomes, including education and civic participation. Launched in 2001 and renamed in 2018, the program aims to enhance understanding of how inequalities affect mobility and representation. Researchers with a doctorate or substantial experience are encouraged to apply, fostering high-level scholarly research in this critical field.

The Russell Sage Foundation’s Social, Political and Economic Inequality program focuses on the causes and consequences of social, political, and economic inequalities in the U.S. The program examines the factors that contribute to social, political, and economic inequalities in the U.S., and the extent to which those inequalities affect social, political, psychological, and economic outcomes such as educational and labor market access and opportunities, social and economic mobility within and across generations, and civic participation and representation. Launched in 2001 as the Social Inequality program, it was renamed in November 2018 to better reflect the foundation’s research interests in a broad range of inequalities and their consequences.

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. Students may not be applicants.

Submit a letter of inquiry through RSF's Fluxx application portal by October 28, 2026, 2 p.m. ET. About 15% of LOIs are invited to submit a full proposal (due February 22, 2027); funding decisions June 2027, grants start on or after September 1, 2027.