IAJS Faculty Seed Grant Program
About the Institute for Advancing Just Societies (IAJS)
In December 2022, Stanford launched the Institute for Advancing Just Societies (IAJS). 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 with 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.
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 with an external partner, such as those described above. Priority will be given to projects with the potential to help communities thrive in the context of the movement of people (within and between nation-states). Proposals can also budget for convenings supported by IAJS.
Proposals will be accepted through April 18, 2025 for the 2024-25 academic year. A faculty committee convened by IAJS will review submissions and award funding.
- 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.
- The proposal provides a persuasive argument that the results of the research, if successful, could be scaled.
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 are required to be submitted for consideration. Your proposal must include the following elements:
- Abstract
-
Description of research (5 pages maximum), 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
-
Detailed budget
- Proposals need not total $25,000 and the necessity of each expense will be evaluated as part of the review process
- The budget can include a convening with partners with logistical support from IAJS.
FAQ
- Only complete proposals will be reviewed.
- A one-page summary report is expected at the end of the award period.
- Remaining funds must be returned if unspent in the awarded timeframe.
- An applicant may receive funding for one project per academic year.
- Full or partial funding may be awarded and funds should be used one year from the award date.
-
We are unable to fund:
- Principal investigator (PI) salaries or supplements (this does not preclude funding to employ research assistants)
- Conference travel that does not relate directly to the execution of the research.
