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

February 2026 (LOI) | April 2026 (Full proposal, by invitation)

Presidential Grants typically up to $50,000 (up to $75,000 for special data needs); project duration up to 2 years.

Supports innovative social science research projects advancing understanding of social and economic issues.

LOI required before full proposal; only invited proposals accepted.

--- ## Description The Project Presidential Awards from the Russell Sage Foundation provide targeted support for outstanding social science research that advances knowledge of social and economic issues aligned with the Foundation’s mission. The program encourages innovative, well-designed studies that address pressing questions in areas such as poverty, inequality, and economic mobility. Funding is intended to foster scholarly excellence, support rigorous research, and promote new insights that can inform policy and practice. --- ## Due Dates - February 2026: Letter of Inquiry (LOI) deadline (anticipated/projected) - April 2026: Full proposal deadline (anticipated/projected; by invitation only, after LOI approval) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - **Presidential Grants:** Generally capped at $50,000. - Up to $75,000 may be requested for projects with special needs (e.g., qualitative research, restricted-use data, or multiple assistant professor PIs). - **Project Duration:** Up to 2 years. - **Indirect Costs:** Not covered for grants at or below $75,000. Indirect costs (up to 15%) only allowed on grants over $75,000. - **Budget Restrictions:** No funds for rent, office space, tuition remission, dissemination, or conference travel. See [Budget Guidelines](https://www.russellsage.org/apply/grants/core/budget) for details. --- ## Eligibility - **Principal Investigator:** Must be eligible to submit proposals from a U.S.-based university or research organization. - **Project Requirements:** - Projects must have a fully developed research design, sample framework, and data access. - LOI must be submitted by an eligible PI or co-PI. - Only one research project per LOI (multiple LOIs allowed). - **Salary Support:** Only PIs/co-PIs with salaries under $300,000 may request salary support; specific caps and rules apply. - **Other Restrictions:** RSF rarely funds projects using only publicly available data unless the proposal is highly innovative and fits the Presidential Grant criteria. --- ## Application Process 1. **Letter of Inquiry (LOI):** - Required before submitting a full proposal. - Maximum 4 pages (single-spaced), covering hypothesis, data, sample size, preliminary findings, research design, investigator qualifications, and budget outline. - Submit via RSF’s online portal. 2. **Full Proposal:** - By invitation only, following LOI approval. - Maximum 10 pages (single-spaced), plus required appendices (e.g., survey instruments, IRB approval if applicable). - Must include budget, justification, CVs, and response to prior reviews (if applicable). - Data collection projects require detailed sampling and compensation plans. - Budget must use RSF template and follow all guidelines. 3. **Review & Notification:** - Competitive, multi-stage review process. - Additional requirements may apply if awarded. --- ## Additional Information - RSF does not support release time (course buy-outs) except in rare circumstances. - Co-funding or cost-sharing is encouraged but not required. - Projects may not deviate significantly from the budget outlined in the LOI if invited to submit a full proposal. - See [Grant Terms and Conditions](https://www.russellsage.org/apply/core-research-grants/terms) and [FAQ](https://www.russellsage.org/apply/core-research-grants/faq) for further details. --- ## External Links - [Russell Sage Foundation Homepage](https://www.russellsage.org) - [Program Overview & Application Portal](https://www.russellsage.org/apply) - [Budget Guidelines](https://www.russellsage.org/apply/grants/core/budget) - [Application Requirements](https://www.russellsage.org/apply/grants/core/requirements) - [Grant Terms and Conditions](https://www.russellsage.org/apply/core-research-grants/terms) - [Grant Writing Tips](https://www.russellsage.org/apply/core-research-grants/tips) - [FAQ](https://www.russellsage.org/apply/core-research-grants/faq) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |---------------|-----------------------------------------------------------| | Email | info@rsage.org | | Phone | +1 212-750-6000 | | Contact Form | [Contact RSF](https://www.russellsage.org/about/contact) | ---

Project Presidential Awards - Russell Sage Foundation

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