Advance Research That Strengthens a Free and Open Society
IHS offers grants for independent research on digital governance, nuclear energy, and deliberative democracy to advance understanding of free and open societies.
Funder: Institute for Humane Studies
Due Dates: July 1, 2026 (Digital Governance as Liberal Experimentation RFP, Nuclear Energy and the Challenge of a Growing Grid RFP) | July 10, 2026 (Deliberative Democracy and the Effects of Deliberation RFP)
Funding Amounts: Most projects up to $5,000; larger grants possible for exceptional proposals; awards based on need; no overhead/indirect costs supported.
Summary: Supports independent academic research on the institutional, economic, and cultural foundations of a free and open society, with targeted RFPs on digital governance, nuclear energy, and deliberative democracy.
Key Information: No prior IHS affiliation required; proposals must directly address RFP research questions.
Description
The Institute for Humane Studies (IHS) offers competitive research funding to academic scholars investigating the foundations and future of a free and open society. Through targeted Requests for Proposals (RFPs), IHS supports rigorous, independent scholarship on themes such as digital governance, nuclear energy policy, and deliberative democracy. Funded projects retain full academic independence, and deliverables may include peer-reviewed publications, policy white papers, or research datasets. The program is designed to foster innovative research that advances understanding of liberal institutions, democratic accountability, and the practical applications of freedom-enhancing technologies.
