Deadline: 28-Oct-2026
Core Research Grants provide funding of up to USD 200,000 to support high-quality scholarly research aligned with the foundation’s research priorities and special initiatives. The programme is open to eligible researchers worldwide and supports salary costs, research expenses, and indirect costs for qualifying grants.
Core Research Grants
Core Research Grants are designed to support investigator-led research projects that advance knowledge in areas aligned with the foundation’s research priorities and special initiatives. The programme provides financial support to help researchers undertake high-level, peer-reviewed scholarly research.
Programme Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Support high-quality scholarly research.
- Fund projects aligned with the foundation’s research priorities.
- Advance special research initiatives.
- Provide salary support for researchers.
- Cover eligible research expenses.
- Strengthen research capacity through flexible funding.
Priority Areas
The programme supports:
- Research projects aligned with the foundation’s research priorities.
- Projects addressing special research initiatives.
- Investigator-led scholarly research.
- High-level peer-reviewed research.
Funding Available
The programme provides:
- Up to USD 200,000 per research project.
Funding may be used for:
- Salary support.
- Eligible research expenses.
For grants valued at more than USD 75,000, an additional 15% indirect cost is included in accordance with the programme’s budget guidelines.
Eligible Expenses
Funding may support:
- Salary costs.
- Research-related expenses.
- Other eligible costs permitted under the programme budget guidelines.
Indirect costs are available only for grants exceeding USD 75,000.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Principal Investigators (PIs).
- Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PIs).
Applicants are generally expected to:
- Hold a doctorate.
In exceptional circumstances, scholars without a doctorate may be considered if they can demonstrate:
- A strong academic or professional career.
- Proven capacity to conduct high-level, peer-reviewed scholarly research.
The programme:
- Has no nationality restrictions.
- Has no restrictions on institutional location.
- Is open to eligible researchers worldwide.
Why This Programme Matters
Core Research Grants enable researchers to pursue innovative scholarly work by providing flexible funding for research activities. The programme supports high-quality research that contributes to advancing knowledge while encouraging participation from researchers around the world.
How to Apply
Eligible researchers should:
- Review the foundation’s research priorities and special initiatives.
- Confirm eligibility requirements.
- Develop a research proposal aligned with programme priorities.
- Prepare a budget following the programme guidelines.
- Include eligible salary and research expenses.
- Submit the complete application before the deadline.
Application Tips
- Ensure the research project aligns closely with the foundation’s research priorities.
- Present clear research objectives and methodology.
- Prepare a realistic and well-justified budget.
- Demonstrate the scholarly significance and expected impact of the research.
- Follow all programme budget and application guidelines carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
Principal Investigators and Co-Principal Investigators who generally hold a doctorate. In exceptional cases, scholars without a doctorate may also be considered if they demonstrate the ability to conduct high-level scholarly research.
How much funding is available?
Applicants may request up to USD 200,000.
What expenses are eligible?
Funding may support salary costs and eligible research expenses in accordance with the programme’s budget guidelines.
Are indirect costs allowed?
Yes. Grants exceeding USD 75,000 include an additional 15% for indirect costs.
Are there nationality restrictions?
No. Researchers from any country may apply.
Can researchers from any institution apply?
Yes. There are no restrictions on the location of the applicant’s institution.
Conclusion
Core Research Grants provide substantial support for investigator-led scholarly research aligned with the foundation’s research priorities and special initiatives. With funding of up to USD 200,000, support for salary and research expenses, and worldwide eligibility, the programme offers researchers an opportunity to undertake impactful, high-quality research across a broad range of disciplines.
For more information, visit Russell Sage Foundation.