The Community Action Research Initiative (CARI) Grants

The American Sociological Association (ASA) administers the Community Action Research Initiative (CARI) Grants to support research projects that apply sociological knowledge and methods to address concrete community-based challenges. Established as part of ASA's broader mission to support research and promote public sociology, the CARI program specifically focuses on fostering collaborations between sociologists and community organizations. These grants are designed to create tangible social impact by leveraging sociological insights in partnership with grassroots, nonprofit, or civic entities. The purpose of the CARI grant is to facilitate community-based research projects that align with ASA’s emphasis on public engagement and socially relevant scholarship. The initiative encourages proposals that are grounded in a specific policy issue or social concern and that incorporate a clear sociological framework. While funding is modest, with a maximum of $3,000 in direct costs per award, the initiative prioritizes practical application and meaningful engagement with community stakeholders over purely academic or theoretical pursuits. Eligible costs include only direct project expenses; the grant may not be used for institutional overhead, attendance at scholarly meetings, or salary for the principal investigator. Eligible applicants must either hold a PhD in sociology or be currently enrolled in a doctoral program in sociology. Although graduate students may apply, CARI funds cannot be used to support dissertation research. The program welcomes applicants from academic institutions, research centers, nonprofit organizations, and government entities, demonstrating the initiative’s inclusivity across professional settings. ASA membership is not required to apply but is mandatory for receiving an award. All recipients must adhere to the ASA Code of Ethics and submit relevant IRB documentation when applicable. Applications are to be submitted through ASA’s online platform, Foundant. Applicants must either create a new user profile or log in with an existing account. The application consists of contact information, project title, a 500-word description of the research project and its sociological framework, a 500-word description of the partnering community organization and its mission, and a 500-word description of expected outcomes and dissemination plans. Additionally, the application must include a one-page letter of support from the community organization, a CV for each principal investigator, and a detailed project budget and timeline. The deadline to submit applications is August 28, 2025, by 5:00 p.m. ET. Awards will be announced by December 4, 2025. Though no pre-application deadline is indicated, applicants are encouraged to prepare materials early and ensure compliance with IRB and ethical standards as necessary. There is no indication that this grant is offered on a rolling basis, but the structure and history of the CARI program suggest it may be offered on a recurring annual basis. For any inquiries regarding the grant or application process, applicants should contact ASA at diversity@asanet.org. The association’s main office is located at 1717 K Street NW, Suite 900, Washington, D.C. 20006, and their general contact number is 202.247.9840.