RFAs: Williams Institute’s Global SOGIESC Seed Grant Program

The Williams Institute Global SOGIESC Seed Grant Program supports empirical research on LGBTI+ populations in least developed, low- and middle-income countries, aiming to strengthen local research capacity and influence policy, practice, and service delivery. Grants of up to USD 4,800 are available for projects completed within 12 months, with mandatory dissemination and reporting requirements. Priority is given to researchers from these regions who have not previously received funding from the Williams Institute.

Overview

The Williams Institute invites applications for its Global SOGIESC Seed Grant Program, designed to support empirical research on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) in least developed, low-, and middle-income countries. The program emphasizes building local research capacity, promoting mentorship, and amplifying the voices of researchers in these regions.

Purpose of the Grant

The program aims to:

• Produce high-quality empirical research on SOGIESC populations

• Strengthen the research capacity of scholars in targeted regions

• Inform practice, service delivery, and policy

• Promote networking, knowledge exchange, and mentorship

Eligible Research Topics

Projects may include research on:

• Demographics, socio-economic and educational outcomes

• Discrimination and access to services

• Policy impacts and public opinion

• Experiences of transgender, intersex, youth, and elder LGBTI+ populations

• Religious or cultural dynamics affecting SOGIESC groups

• LGBTQI+ parent experiences

• Development of new methodologies or research instruments in local languages

Grant Details

• Funding amount: Up to USD 4,800 (lump sum)

• Eligible costs: Salary support, data collection, and related research expenses (institutional overhead not allowed)

• Project duration: 12 months

• Publication requirement: Research must be published within 18 months

• Projects may form part of larger initiatives if the grant’s role is clearly described

Who Is Eligible?

• Research teams combining experienced researchers and civil society organizations

• At least part of the team must reside or work in countries on the DAC list of ODA recipients

• Projects must focus on SOGIESC issues in these contexts

• Preference for applicants who have not previously received a Williams Institute grant

How to Apply / How It Works

1. Prepare a Research Proposal

   • Include aims, research strategy, significance, timeline, and dissemination plans

2. Submit Supporting Documents

   • Qualifications and partnership descriptions demonstrating capacity to complete the project

   • Detailed budget and budget narrative

   • Human subjects narrative specifying IRB approval or training requirements

3. Optional Mentorship Statement

   • Scholars may request guidance from Williams Institute experts

4. Engage in Reporting and Dissemination

   • Introductory and mid-project Zoom meetings

   • Final summary report

   • At least one publication

   • Participation in a future colloquium to present findings

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Research design quality and feasibility

• Policy relevance and practical impact

• Alignment with program goals: advancing empirical SOGIESC research and building local research capacity

• Potential to amplify voices of researchers in low- and middle-income countries

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly define research aims and expected outcomes

• Demonstrate the role of grant funding within larger projects

• Highlight the local expertise of team members

• Include clear plans for dissemination and knowledge sharing

• Provide detailed and realistic budgets

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can lead a project?

Projects must be led by researchers with experience in empirical research, preferably partnered with local civil society organizations.

2. What is the maximum funding amount?

Up to USD 4,800, disbursed as a lump sum.

3. Can projects be part of a larger research initiative?

Yes, as long as the grant’s contribution is clearly outlined in the budget narrative.

4. Is mentorship available?

Optional mentorship from Williams Institute experts can be requested in the application.

5. How long should the project last?

Projects must be completed within 12 months with publication within 18 months.

6. What topics are eligible?

Research should focus on SOGIESC populations and can include demographics, discrimination, access to services, policy impact, public opinion, and methodology development.

7. Are previous Williams Institute grantees eligible?

Priority is given to applicants who have not previously received a Williams Institute grant.

Conclusion

The Williams Institute Global SOGIESC Seed Grant Program provides critical support for researchers investigating LGBTI+ issues in underrepresented regions. By funding empirical studies and building local capacity, the program fosters high-quality research, strengthens policy-relevant knowledge, and amplifies the voices of researchers from least developed, low-, and middle-income countries.