The Community Action Research Initiative (CARI) Grants

The Community Action Research Initiative (CARI) Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: American Sociological Association
Amount: Up to US $3,000
Last Updated: March 28, 2026

Summary

The Community Action Research Initiative (CARI) Grants, offered by the American Sociological Association, support sociologists working with community organizations to tackle pressing social issues. Grants of up to $3,000 are available for projects that apply social science methods in community settings. While ASA membership is not required to apply, it is necessary to receive funding. The initiative encourages diverse applications, including those from graduate students.

Overview

Background The American Sociological Association, founded in 1905, is the national professional membership association for sociologists and others who are interested in sociology. ASA members include students, faculty working in a full range of institutions, and people working in government agencies and nonprofit and private sector organizations. Mission ASA’s mission is to serve sociologists in their work, advance sociology as a science and profession, and promote the contributions and use of sociology to society. Community Action Research Initiative (CARI) Grants The American Sociological Association encourages applications for the Community Action Research Initiative (CARI) grants. CARI grants are for projects that bring social science knowledge and methods to bear in addressing community-based problems. Grants are for up to $3,000 of direct costs.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Applicants must be sociologists seeking to work with community organizations or community action initiatives.Applications are encouraged from sociologists working in a variety of work settings including academic institutions, research institutes, private and non-profit organizations, and government agencies. Graduate students are eligible to apply. While ASA membership is not a criterion for applying, it is required to receive a grant. All ASA members are obligated to follow the ASA Code of Ethics, and grantees must provide pertinent IRB approval if necessary.

Ineligibility

CARI funds cannot be used to support dissertation research.Funds cannot be used for institutional overhead, scholarly meeting expenses, or the principal investigator’s salary.