Landscape Study in Youth Arts/Workforce Programs

The Wallace Foundation is accepting proposals for a two-year research project titled "Landscape Study of Community-Based Youth Arts Programs with Workforce Development Components." This opportunity aims to deepen understanding of youth arts programs that combine artistic development with paid employment or internships for older youth. The foundation is offering up to $1,000,000 in funding for this research effort, which will run from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027. The project is divided into two phases: a landscape analysis in Phase 1 and in-depth case studies of 6–8 exemplar programs in Phase 2. The results will inform the development of a future five-year youth arts initiative by the foundation. The Wallace Foundation, headquartered in New York City, is one of the nation's 60 largest private charitable foundations. Its mission is to support the arts, education leadership, and youth development. It adopts a distinctive approach to philanthropy by undertaking multi-year initiatives that generate knowledge for both direct grantees and the broader field. This research opportunity fits into that broader mission by seeking actionable insights that can be applied beyond the immediate participants of the study. The research project seeks to identify and characterize community-based youth arts programs that provide both artistic engagement and paid work experiences, such as internships and apprenticeships. Wallace is particularly interested in how such programs support youth by fostering bonding and bridging social capital. Bonding capital refers to close, supportive peer and mentor relationships, while bridging capital entails connections to broader social networks that can aid in future educational and career pathways. The foundation emphasizes the importance of both types of capital, especially for youth in high-poverty communities who often lack bridging opportunities. Proposals must include a clear understanding of the research goals, a detailed research plan including methodology and theoretical frameworks, and a schedule of deliverables. Deliverables must include semi-annual analytic memos, a Phase 1 internal report, and a Phase 2 public report. Research teams must also commit to attending monthly and quarterly meetings with Wallace Foundation staff and advisors, and budget accordingly for meetings and report production, including travel for at least one in-person presentation in New York City unless mutually replaced by a virtual meeting. Eligible applicants are research teams with experience conducting similar landscape and case study work. The Wallace Foundation is especially interested in equity-centered research practices that involve community voices, use strength-based approaches, and explore systems that affect equitable outcomes. Proposals should also include a timeline, bios of senior personnel, links to comparable previous work, and a detailed budget that includes funds for copyediting and graphic layout of the public report. Proposals are due by the end of the day on July 18, 2025, and should be submitted via email to ArtsResearch@wallacefoundation.org. The narrative portion should be no more than ten single-spaced pages in 12-point font. Questions about the RFP should also be directed to the same email address. The foundation anticipates selecting a team that can work collaboratively and meet all deadlines to ensure the successful design of their upcoming youth arts initiative.

Budget for travel, incentives, and report design are encouraged.