Research Grants for Early Career Scholars

The Washington Center for Equitable Growth is offering research grants for early career scholars. These grants aim to support researchers whose work explores the relationship between inequality and economic growth and demonstrates relevance to public policy. The program seeks scholars who are open to engaging with nonacademic audiences, including policymakers and the media, to translate their findings into actionable insights. The funding also provides resources for professional development, including training to communicate research effectively. Eligible research must align with one of several broad themes, including macroeconomic growth, fiscal policy, labor markets, human capital, economic mobility, and market structure. The research can address topics from macroeconomic impacts to individual and household outcomes, employing a variety of methodologies. However, studies focusing on areas like K–12 education, health, or non-U.S. contexts are generally outside the funding priorities unless they have direct applicability to domestic policymaking. Specific research priorities include policies supporting equitable growth, the economic effects of tax code changes, labor market transitions, long-term impacts of family-focused investments, and policies that enhance competition or worker power. Applicants must either be Ph.D. students in the dissertation stage or early career scholars who earned their Ph.D. within the past eight years and have not yet received tenure. International students enrolled at U.S. institutions are eligible, although grants are typically managed through the university. Funding amounts are $15,000 for graduate students and $30,000 for early career scholars, distributed over one to two years depending on the project timeline. The grants cover a range of research-related expenses, excluding indirect overhead costs. To apply, candidates must submit a personal statement, a detailed five-page research proposal, and an abbreviated curriculum vitae via the online portal. The personal statement should address the researcher’s motivation, relevance of their agenda to Equitable Growth’s priorities, potential policy impacts, and career goals. The research proposal must outline the problem addressed, engagement with the literature, methodological approach, policy implications, and a timeline for completion. Applications are evaluated based on relevance to funding priorities, policy impact potential, methodological rigor, and the scholar’s ability to engage beyond academia. The deadline for submission is January 21, 2025, with funding decisions announced in May 2025. Grants are typically disbursed at the start of the academic year following the decision. Equitable Growth offers prospective applicants the opportunity to schedule consultations for guidance on submission requirements and relevance to their mission. Interested individuals can submit applications through the dedicated portal or contact the organization for further assistance.