[Russell Sage Foundation](https://www.russellsage.org)

February 2027

Up to $15,000 for a one-year dissertation research project; no indirect costs allowed.

Supports innovative dissertation research by U.S.-based doctoral students on social science topics aligned with RSF’s priority areas.

This is a forecasted opportunity; all deadlines are projected and subject to change.

--- ## Description The Russell Sage Foundation’s Dissertation Research Grants program funds innovative dissertation projects that address significant social science questions within the Foundation’s priority areas: Behavioral Science and Decision Making in Context, Future of Work, Race, Ethnicity and Immigration, Immigration and Immigrant Integration, and Social, Political, and Economic Inequality. Projects must be closely aligned with RSF’s mission to improve social and living conditions in the U.S. and demonstrate rigorous use of theory, data, and research methods. The program is competitive and aims to support early-career scholars, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, and research that advances evidence-based solutions to pressing societal challenges. --- ## Due Dates - February 2027 (anticipated/projected submission deadline for full application) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: $15,000 for a one-year grant - No indirect costs allowed - Typical uses: stipend (up to $7,500), research assistance, participant incentives, data acquisition, transcription, laboratory costs, and travel for data collection or access. Conference travel may be considered if not otherwise funded. - Tuition remission and purchase of personal computers are not allowed. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be enrolled doctoral students at a U.S. institution or U.S. territory, having completed all requirements except the dissertation. - A letter from the dissertation supervisor confirming project approval and alignment with the submitted proposal is required if selected. - Only one dissertation research grant per applicant is allowed (lifetime limit). - Prior RSF grant recipients are ineligible. - Preference is given to applicants lacking sufficient time or funds for dissertation research; those fully funded via fellowships are less likely to be considered. - Projects must align with RSF’s research priorities and contribute to improving social and living conditions in the U.S. --- ## Application Process - Submit proposals via the [RSF Fluxx online application portal](https://rsf.fluxx.io/). - Required materials: - Five-page (single-spaced) research proposal (plus bibliography) - Abbreviated CV (maximum 5 pages) - Brief initial budget description - If invited after positive external review: - Letter from dissertation supervisor - Detailed Excel budget (RSF template) - Budget narrative and timeline - IRB approval/exemption, proof of data access, and pre-registration (if applicable) - Review process includes internal and external review for fit and quality. - Up to 20 grants are typically awarded each cycle. - The applicant’s university acts as fiscal agent and administers the grant. --- ## Additional Information - RSF encourages applications from traditionally underrepresented scholars in the social sciences. - Some grants may be co-funded by partner organizations (e.g., Upjohn Institute, Policy Academies, Washington Center for Equitable Growth), expanding opportunities for research on employment, racial equity, and economic justice. - Grantees may be expected to present research seminars at partner institutions. - Projects should not be solely focused on dissertation writing; data collection or analysis should still be underway. --- ## External Links - [Dissertation Research Grants Program Overview](https://www.russellsage.org/apply/grants/dissertation) - [Research Priorities](https://www.russellsage.org/research/priorities) - [Application Requirements](https://www.russellsage.org/apply/grants/dissertation/requirements) - [Budget Guidelines](https://www.russellsage.org/apply/dissertation-research/budget-guidelines) - [Application Deadlines](https://www.russellsage.org/apply/application-deadlines) - [Apply via Fluxx Portal](https://rsf.fluxx.io/) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.russellsage.org/apply/faq) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact Details | |------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [info@rsage.org](mailto:info@rsage.org) \| +1 212-750-6000 | | Program/Eligibility | [programs@rsage.org](mailto:programs@rsage.org) | | Online Contact Form | [Contact Page](https://www.russellsage.org/about/contact) |

Dissertation Research Grants

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