IAJS Faculty Grant Program
About the Institute for Advancing Just Societies (IAJS)
Stanford’s Institute for Advancing Just Societies (IAJS) works across all seven schools to produce cutting-edge knowledge and bold solutions to realize racial and ethnic justice. The Institute works with our globally recognized faculty and partners beyond Stanford (including leaders in the public and private sectors, government and international agencies, and foundations) to advance basic and solutions-oriented research and insights that enable all of us to thrive.
IAJS Faculty Grant Program Description and Criteria
The Institute for Advancing Just Societies is accepting funding proposals for up to $25,000 to support innovative research projects directly related to its mission. Funding will be given for early-stage research focusing on solutions to challenges related to racial and ethnic categorization, broadly defined, including tribe, caste, nation, etc. Strong preference will be given to faculty working in some capacity with an external partner, such as those described above.
The institute will also prioritize projects with the potential to help communities thrive within our first thematic focus, ‘The Flourishing Cities Initiative: Practical Solutions for a World on the Move’. The initiative brings together community partners, researchers, municipal leaders, and policymakers to create scalable, evidence-based solutions that help both newcomers and longtime residents prosper in cities worldwide.
Proposals will be accepted through November 1, 2026 for the 2026-27 academic year. A faculty committee convened by IAJS will review submissions and award funding in January 2027.
Optional: Co-Hosted Workshop
In addition to the grant funding, awardees may wish to leverage IAJS's convening capacity to co-host a workshop that engages individuals and/or organizations outside of Stanford (e.g., community partners, practitioner experts, etc.) and builds upon initial findings and insights generated through their funded research. This workshop may take place at any point during the grant period or within a reasonable time following its conclusion, and should be designed to advance, extend, or disseminate the initial findings of the funded project. This opportunity is subject to mutual agreement and budget capacity. Indicating interest in the application does not obligate the awardee or IAJS to co-host one. Participation in this component is optional and does not affect the review or evaluation of the seed grant application itself.
IAJS will serve as a thought partner in developing the topic and scope, support logistical planning and coordination, assist in facilitating the convening and preparing a summary report of its outcomes, and can provide additional funding (up to $5,000) in support of the convening. Applicants interested in this opportunity should indicate so in their proposal, with the specific topic and format to be finalized in consultation with IAJS following the award.
- The proposed research plan uses the highest standards of rigor and excellence in the relevant field(s) and adheres to the highest ethical standards in all aspects of the research.
- The proposed research plan is aligned with the mission of IAJS. Strong preference will be given to projects: 1) that are collaborative with external partners and 2) focus on solutions to real-life problems.
- The proposal clearly identifies how the research can be carried out successfully and should balance creativity and innovation with the likelihood of success.
- The proposal describes how the funding will advance the research and suggest innovative solutions.
This seed grant program is open to all schools and ranks of Stanford Academic Council Eligible Faculty. Faculty can apply as individuals or part of a research team.
An application, CV, and proposal must be submitted for consideration. Your proposal should include the following elements:
- Abstract
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Description of research (5 pages maximum with citations), including:
- Objectives
- Methodology, including sources of evidence and analysis plan
- Alignment with Selection Criteria, including a description of ongoing or planned work with an external partner and a contact in the partner organization
- Timeline
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Detailed budget
- Proposals need not total $25,000 and the necessity of each expense will be evaluated as part of the review process
Awardee Expectations:
- Project report: A brief 2-3 page summary is expected at the end of the award period describing project progress, grant impact, key findings and takeaways, future work beyond the original timeframe, and a high-level accounting of how funds were spent.
- Amplifying your work: IAJS welcomes the chance to help share findings from your research project, such as a publication, policy brief, or public-facing output. We can feature your work on our website, highlight on our social media platforms, share it with our network of external partners, or help connect you with policymakers working on related issues.
- IAJS affiliation: As a faculty grant recipient, you’re invited to participate in Institute activities—such as convenings, early-stage ideas exchanges, and sharing information about your project through spotlight videos,—that may enhance the production and dissemination of your work.
Award Amount and Terms:
Applicants may request up to a maximum funding amount of $25,000 for a project period of 12 months.
- Partial funding may be awarded depending on the appropriateness of proposed project activities.
- Budgets will be evaluated for reasonableness and in accordance with Stanford guidelines.
- Remaining funds must be returned if unspent in the awarded timeframe without a request for extension.
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Funds may be used for project-related:
- Travel expenses
- Conferences, workshops, and convenings
- Research assistant salaries
- Supplies and materials
- Honoraria for external partners
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Funds may not be used for:
- Faculty salaries or supplements, course buyouts, or health and welfare benefits
- Administrative staff salaries
- Tuition
- Sub-awards
- Capital equipment
- Conference travel that does not relate directly to the execution of the research.
- Applicants may only receive funding for one project per academic year, and only complete proposals will be reviewed.
Research Compliance Questionnaire
