Initiative for Effective US Crime Policy (IECP)
Supports rigorous research, especially randomized evaluations, to develop evidence-based strategies that reduce crime and inequities in the US criminal legal system.
Funder: Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab
Due Dates: June 3, 2026 | January 12, 2027
Funding Amounts: Full projects: $150,000–$250,000 typical, up to $400,000 max (3 years); Pilots: up to $50,000 (3 years); Travel/development: up to $5,000.
Summary: Supports randomized evaluations and pilot studies to inform equitable, effective crime policy and improve the US criminal legal system.
Key Information: Only J-PAL affiliates, invited researchers, and eligible PhD students may apply.
Description
The Initiative for Effective US Crime Policy (IECP) by J-PAL North America funds rigorous research to generate actionable evidence on strategies for reducing crime, recidivism, and systemic inequities within the US criminal legal system. The program supports randomized controlled trials (RCTs), pilot studies, and exploratory work that aim to improve community safety, reduce discrimination, and inform cost-effective public safety policies. Projects may focus on any stage of the criminal legal process—including prevention, policing, prosecution, adjudication, sentencing, incarceration, reentry, and social support programs—and may originate within or outside the formal legal system (e.g., public health, housing, education). IECP emphasizes research advancing racial equity and encourages proposals that address disparities in criminal justice outcomes.
