Driving University Impact: Expanding the Public Exchange Network
Driving University Impact: Expanding the Public Exchange Network supports universities launching programs that connect researchers with external partners to turn research into solutions to public challenges.
Funder: Social Science Research Council
Due Dates: Rolling (Applications and review) | September 15 (Recommended submission) | June 9, 2026, 12:00 ET (Informational webinar, ended)
Funding Amounts: Two-year support covering 75–80% of minimum estimated annual launch costs, including a $300,000 executive director compensation subsidy
Summary: Supports universities launching Public Exchange programs that connect multidisciplinary researchers with external partners to address urgent public challenges.
Key Information: Open only to U.S. R1 research universities belonging to SSRC’s College and University Fund for the Social Sciences.
Description
The Social Science Research Council (SSRC), with support from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, offers Public Exchange Network Expansion Grants to help universities launch campus Public Exchange programs. Founded at the University of Southern California (USC) in 2020 and expanded to Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) in 2025, the network connects academic researchers with government, nonprofit, and industry partners. Work addresses challenges including disaster recovery, climate solutions, food insecurity, and homelessness prevention.
The partner-driven model defines research scopes, timelines, and deliverables; assembles multidisciplinary expert teams; and provides project management, public engagement, and communications support. Grants build institutional capacity to translate research into practical tools and lasting solutions. Network members share approaches, expertise, and partner relationships to scale solutions and develop cross-regional collaborations, while retaining control over their own programs and project portfolios.
