Driving University Impact: Expanding the Public Exchange Network
Supports R1 universities in the SSRC network to translate academic research into real-world solutions through collaborative Public Exchange partnerships.
Funder: Social Science Research Council
Due Dates: Rolling (applications reviewed as received)
Funding Amounts: $300,000 over two years for executive director compensation subsidy; covers 75–80% of minimum estimated annual costs; includes additional in-kind support and resources.
Summary: Supports U.S. R1 universities in the SSRC College and University Fund to join the Public Exchange Network, translating academic research into actionable societal solutions.
Key Information: Only SSRC College and University Fund members with R1 designation are eligible; requires institutional leadership commitment.
Description
This grant opportunity enables U.S. R1 research universities that are members of the Social Science Research Council’s (SSRC) College and University Fund for the Social Sciences to join the Public Exchange Network. The initiative is designed to help universities turn their research expertise into practical, high-impact solutions for urgent societal issues such as disaster recovery, climate resilience, food insecurity, and homelessness. Participating universities receive a suite of tools, training, communications resources, and a two-year executive director compensation subsidy to launch and sustain a Public Exchange on their campus. The program emphasizes collaborative partnerships with government, nonprofit, and industry to maximize the real-world impact of academic research.
