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Core Research Grants

Core Programs and Special Initiatives

Funding Guidelines for October 29, 2025 Deadline

RSF will accept letters of inquiry (LOIs) under the core programs for Behavioral Science and Decision Making in Context and Race, Ethnicity, and Immigration. The foundation will also accept LOIs under its special initiatives on Immigration and Immigrant Integration and  Implications of the 2023 Supreme Court Decision to Ban Race-Conscious Admissions at Colleges and Universities for Educational Attainment and Economic Mobility.
LOIs must include specific information about the proposed data and research design. After peer review, about 15% of those who submit an LOI will receive an invitation to submit a proposal. If you are unsure about the foundation's expectations, we strongly recommend that you review the grant writing guidelines on our website and also view an instructional webinar.

*ALL applications (LOIs & Proposals) are due by 2pm ET/11am PT

Before applying, review our Budget and Eligibility requirements
Letter of Inquiry DeadlineInvited Proposal DeadlineFunding DecisionGrant Start Date (on/after)
Mar 11, 2025 (BSDMC, REI, III, SCD23)Jun 17, 2025Nov 2025Jan 1, 2026
July 16, 2025 (SPEI, FOW, SCD23)Oct 27, 2025Mar 2026May 1, 2026
Oct 29, 2025 (BSDMC, REI, III, SCD23)Feb 18, 2026Jun 2026Sept 1, 2026
Mar 11, 2026 (SPEI, FOW, SCD23)Jun 22, 2026Nov 2026Jan 1, 2027
Fellowships

Visiting Scholars

Year in residenceApplication deadlineDECISION
2027 -2028June 22, 2026 (2pm ET)December 2026

Visiting Researchers

For Residency BetweenApplication deadlineDECISION
September 2026 - June 2027May 5, 2026 (2pm ET)June 2026
Sheldon Danziger Pipeline Grants

The next deadline is Wednesday, October 22, 2025, 2pm ET.

Note: Applicants can apply for either the Sheldon Danziger Pipeline Grants Competition or the October LOI deadline, but not both.

Dissertation Research Grants

The next deadline is expected to be in February 2026.

Causal Research on the Criminal Justice System

The next deadline is expected to be in early April 2026.

RSF Journal

Read More about the Russell Sage Journal

Funding Priorities

The Foundation’s grantmaking prioritizes its core programs and special initiatives.

What We Do Not Fund

RSF funds only social science research that seeks to “improve social and living conditions in the US.”

Begin Your Application

RSF has three funding cycles per year and only considers proposals that are invited following review of an initial letter of inquiry.

Tips for Grant Writing Success

RSF employs a rigorous multi-disciplinary review process. Please review our tips for grant seekers. 

Examples of Successful Applications

We have provided examples of successful Letters of Intent and Proposals.