Causal Research in the Criminal Justice System - Russell Sage Foundation
Funds early-career scholars to conduct rigorous causal research on U.S. criminal justice policies, practices, or interventions using robust empirical methods.
Funder: Russell Sage Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): May 2026 (full application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Up to $100,000 total per project (including up to 15% indirect costs); project duration limited to 1 year
Summary: Supports early-career scholars conducting rigorous causal research on criminal justice policies, practices, or interventions in the United States.
Key Information: Applicants must be tenure-track assistant professors at U.S. colleges/universities; no LOI required.
Description
This grant opportunity funds early-career scholars to conduct empirical research that identifies and clarifies causal mechanisms within the U.S. criminal justice system. Projects must employ strong causal research designs (e.g., randomized controlled trials, difference-in-differences, regression discontinuity, instrumental variables) to evaluate the effects of policies, practices, or interventions involving police, courts, corrections, probation, parole, or immigration detention. The program emphasizes innovative methods, interdisciplinary approaches, and aims to inform both scholarship and policy through robust evidence.
