Deliberative Democracy and the Effects of Deliberation
Supports research on how deliberative democratic processes affect policymaking, polarization, and institutional trust in free societies.
Funder: Institute for Humane Studies
Due Dates: July 10, 2026: Full application deadline
Funding Amounts: Award amounts are based on need; typical grants range up to $5,000, but larger requests considered for exceptional projects.
Summary: Supports research examining how deliberative democratic processes impact policymaking, polarization, and institutional trust in free societies.
Description
This grant opportunity from the Institute for Humane Studies supports research that critically examines the role, design, and outcomes of deliberative democratic mechanisms in liberal societies. The program seeks projects that explore how deliberative processes can enrich policymaking, reduce polarization, and strengthen institutional trust. Both theoretical and empirical studies are welcome, including those that consider the long-term effects of deliberation, the impact of AI on deliberative processes, and the circumstances under which deliberation either strengthens or undermines democratic institutions. Interdisciplinary and comparative proposals are encouraged, and deliverables may include peer-reviewed publications, policy white papers, or research databases.
