Research

Grants FAQ


How is this our program different from other existing programs? 

We focus our efforts on supporting new economic thinking, in all the forms it may take. We are less interested in pure policy applications, institution building, and general program support.

How do I know if I am eligible for a grant?

  • Grants will be awarded primarily to individuals or teams of individuals affiliated with academic institutions, think tanks, and other research centers. We are especially interested in funding early stage research and junior research scholars.
  • The Institute’s grant program does not provide funding for students working on their dissertations or theses.
  • The Institute is looking to fund research that falls under the broad themes we outline in our calls for proposals. We are certainly open to and encouraging of ideas that fall outside the traditional boundaries of economic thinking.
  • The Institute does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender and/or gender identity, pregnancy or parental status, marital or domestic partner status, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, disability or medical condition, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

How do I apply for a grant?

Applications should include a proposal no longer than four pages in length plus a one-page summary and a budget. There are no specific requirements for format or content of the proposal. Applicants also will be asked to provide a short bio and a CV along with other basic information. Once a call for proposals is announced, an online portal will be opened here on our website for the submission of applications.

Can I apply as part a team?

Yes, you may apply as part of a team, but we do ask that only one researcher submit a proposal as the representative of the team.

Can I submit proposals for more than one project?

We will review multiple proposals from the same individual or team; however, no more than one will be eligible to be selected to move to the second stage of review. It is our suggestion that applicants focus on a single project.

How much money is The Institute offering? For how many years?

In general, the Institute awards grants ranging in value from $25,000-$250,000 for projects of one to three years’ duration. Budget proposals are reviewed with great care for their realism and appropriateness.

What restrictions does the Institute place on project budgets?

  • The Institute typically will not fund projects that primarily are focused on conducting a conference.
  • The Institute will not fund proposals with greater than 10% of the budget allocated to overhead. (Overhead cannot be applied to fringe benefits or to subcontracts to a University or Institution that houses a scholar or team.)
  • Acceptable expenses include researchers’ salaries (course buyouts, etc.), data gathering, summer salaries or sabbaticals, hiring of students or young researchers, conferences and mutual visits, and a small amount of auxiliary expenses (assuming they are reasonable). The Institute is less likely to fund administrative salaries.
  • The Institute will allow scholars to manage their own funds as long as the use of these funds is reported in an accurate manner.
  • Tuition remission for graduate assistants is an allowable item provided it meets the following criteria: 1) the amount represents reasonable compensation for necessary work on the project, 2) tuition remission is provided in lieu of wages, and 3) the amount is consistently applied throughout the institution.

How does the Institute review applications?

All applications will be reviewed by a research jury composed of leading economists and social scientists. The most promising applicants will be invited to submit a longer, more complete proposal (seven or more pages) that also will be reviewed by a research jury, which will make recommendations to the Institute’s Academic Council. The Academic Council will in turn recommend the strongest applications to The Institute’s Governing Board, which will make the final determination of awards.

Note: Applicants who lobby for the acceptance of their proposal are subject to disqualification.

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