The Sociological Initiatives Foundation supports social change by linking research to social action. The foundation aims to foster social change by funding projects that reflect a partnership between academia and community-based organizations that work to create a more just and equitable society by defending and protecting people against powerful political, economic, and other interests that undermine and impede the eradication of social injustices and discrimination.

To that end, the foundation is inviting applications for community-led projects that link an explicit research design to a concrete social action strategy. Grants between $10,000 and $20,000 will be awarded with priority given to projects that explicitly promote racial justice and fairer and more equitable laws, policies, and practices.. Applicants from academic institutions are expected to apply with a community partner. With respect to social and racial inequality dating back centuries, the foundation supports projects that address institutional rather than individual or behavioral change and seeks to fund research and initiatives that provide insight into sociological and linguistic issues that can help specific groups and communities expand opportunities to challenge injustices.

In the past, the foundation has funded projects in the areas of civil rights, community organizing, crime and law, education, health, housing, immigration, labor organizing, and language/literacy.

Preference will be given to applications that are community-led academic partnerships; advocacy or community groups that conduct research that can withstand challenge in academic and policy arenas; and grassroots organizations that organize or link to a constituency through their research.

To be eligible, applicants must be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Short concept proposals must be received no later than August 16. Upon review, selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal by fall of 2021.

For complete program guidelines and application instructions, see the Sociological Initiatives Foundation website.

Deadline: August 16, 2021 (Concept Proposals)

The Sociological Initiatives Foundation was established to support research that advances social change, including language learning and behavior and its intersection with social and policy questions. The foundation supports projects that address institutional rather than individual or behavioral change and seeks to fund research and initiatives that provide insight into sociological and linguistic issues that can be useful to specific groups and/or communities.

To that end, grants of up to $20,000 will be awarded in support of research projects focused on social policy; institutional and educational practices; linguistic issues (e.g., literacy, language loss and maintenance, language policy, language and national security, bilingualism, language and gender, language and law, language disabilities, language and health, language and education, different language cultures); and community capacity and the organization of previously unorganized groups. Preference will be given to subjects that tend to be underfunded and projects of a size where an SFI grant can make a difference.

To be eligible, applicants must be considered tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Short concept proposals must be received no later than August 15, 2019. Upon review, selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal by November 2019.

See the Sociological Initiatives Foundation website for complete program guidelines and application instructions.

Deadline: August 16, 2019 (Concept Proposals)

Guidelines

The Sociological Initiatives Foundation was established to support research that furthers social change, including language learning and behavior and its intersection with social and policy questions. The foundation supports projects that address institutional rather than individual or behavioral change and seeks to fund research and initiatives that provide insight into sociological and linguistic issues that can be useful to specific groups and or communities.

To that end, grants of up to $20,000 will be awarded for research projects focused on social policy; institutional and educational practices; linguistic issues (e.g. literacy, language loss and maintenance, language policy, language and national security, bilingualism, language and gender, language and law, language disabilities, language and health, language and education, different language cultures); and community capacity and the organization of previously unorganized groups. Preference will be given to subjects that tend to be underfunded and of a size where SFI grant can make a difference.

To be eligible, applicants must be considered tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Short concept proposals must be received no later than August 15. Upon review, selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal by November 2018.

See the SIF website for complete program guidelines and application instructions.

Deadline: August 15, 2018

Guidelines