Grantmaking
See the innovative research we’ve supported and discover opportunities for collaboration. Each grant represents our commitment to evidence-based solutions that promote broadly shared prosperity.
The Washington Center for Equitable Growth seeks to invest in policy-relevant research that is related to how inequality affects economic growth, and in scholars who are interested in engaging with nonacademic audiences.
Equitable Growth periodically releases Requests for Proposals on specific topics that are open to researchers affiliated with a U.S. university.
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See the Innovative Research We’ve Funded
Browse Past Grants4 Results
American Economic Association Summer Economics Fellows Program (opens in a new tab)
Equitable Growth is a host institution of the AEA Summer Economics Fellows Program. Through our participation, we seek to promote efforts to increase diversity of women and members of underrepresented groups in the economics profession. We support one early career faculty to pursue academic research that explores how inequality affects economic growth and stability. The program includes opportunities for presenting and receiving feedback on ongoing research, professional development and mentorship, trainings, and exposure to how to make research relevant to today’s policy debates and accessible for the policymaking community. Fellowships are 8–12 weeks during the summer and are open to all economists without regard to gender, race, or ethnicity, although the goal of the program is to advance the careers of women and members of underrepresented communities. Fellows are given a prorated stipend of $30,000.
- Early Career Scholars
- Ph.D. Students
- Researchers at a U.S. University
Early career grants (opens in a new tab)
Equitable Growth is excited to offer funding specifically for graduate students and early career researchers. To be eligible for an early career grant, one must be currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program at a U.S. university, in a postdoctoral position at a U.S. university, or a scholar affiliated with a U.S. university who is within 8 years from Ph.D. issuance. If you have received tenure, you are not eligible for an early career grant. Funding for students and postdoctoral scholars will be $15,000 over 1 year, while funding for early career scholars in faculty, research, or similar positions will be $30,000 over 1–2 years.
- Early Career Scholars
- Ph.D. Students
Request for Proposals: The economic effects of the Inflation Reduction Act (opens in a new tab)
The Washington Center for Equitable Growth seeks to deepen our understanding of how inequality affects economic growth and stability. The Washington Center for Equitable Growth seeks to support research that will equip scholars and policymakers with evidence-based insights on how the Inflation Reduction Act’s policy design, coordination, and implementation affects equitable economic outcomes related to the economics of the clean energy transition. We recognize that other legislation, such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, also made significant investments in the clean energy transition. Research exploring the interaction between the Inflation Reduction Act, or IRA, and other major federal investments is of interest. However, projects focused solely on non-IRA investments are outside the scope of this request.
- Researchers at a U.S. University
Request for Proposals: Promoting competition and supporting workers in an era of AI innovation (opens in a new tab)
The Washington Center for Equitable Growth seeks to support research that will generate actionable insights for policymakers and inform policies that lead to strong, stable, and broad-based economic growth. How can we encourage use of artificial intelligence technologies that is more beneficial for U.S. workers and society? We are currently requesting proposals for research that will inform policies that would harness the potential of generative AI and other emerging technologies to boost growth, innovation, and productivity while ensuring robust competition and making sure that productivity gains are broad-based and lead to improved job quality. We are open to research on a range of technologies, such as generative AI and large language models, but also algorithms, electronic surveillance, and various forms of automation.
- Researchers at a U.S. University
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about our grantee resources, application process, or what to expect as an Equitable Growth-funded researcher? Find answers to common questions below.
Current Grantees
Can you help disseminate my research?
Yes, Equitable Growth offers a variety of resources to help academics distill and elevate their research and make it accessible to different audiences. We can assist with policy and media engagement, and offer avenues to distribute your research to other academics.
How can I submit a working paper?
To submit a working paper for consideration in Equitable Growth’s Working Paper Series (opens in a new tab), please email it to Korin Davis, Academic Programs Director, kdavis@equitablegrowth.org (opens in a new tab).
What should narrative reports include?
Interim reports should include: accomplishments and preliminary findings, if any; challenges and/or delays; modifications to the original scope of work and/or research design; a list of presentations given or planned and publications secured or in-progress; next steps.
Final reports should include: brief description of research findings; a list of presentations given or planned; a list of publications secured or in-progress; policy implications of your findings; next steps for this research project.
How do I request an extension?
To request a no-cost extension, send an updated financial report, signed by an officer of the university, along with a narrative report to grants@equitablegrowth.org (opens in a new tab). The narrative report should include: progress to date; explanation for the extension request, including plans to address delays; and an updated timeline. Extensions of up to 6 months are considered.
How do I request changes to my grant?
We understand that research projects may meet challenges, and we will work with you to address these. If you need to make changes to your grant, please email grants@equitablegrowth.org (opens in a new tab) with a brief description of your question or the problem you need help addressing.
Prospective Grantees
Who is eligible to apply for a grant?
Equitable Growth releases requests for proposals periodically. Solicitations are open to researchers affiliated with U.S. universities. Specific eligibility requirements for funding opportunities can be found in the respective Request for Proposals.
Early career grants are open to:
- Graduate students currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program at a U.S. college or university who are in the dissertation stage of their graduate career
- Early career scholars at a U.S. college or university whose Ph.D. was issued within the past 8 years
What are the funding amounts?
Funding amounts vary depending on the specific Request for Proposals but in general are in the $15,000 to $100,000 range.
Early career grants to graduate students are set at $15,000, while grants to all other early career scholars are set at $30,000.
We frequently partner with other foundations to support projects jointly or to share proposals that are not a fit for our grant program but which may be of interest to other funders.
Are there budget restrictions?
Equitable Growth is willing to fund a wide range of activities, including researcher salary and benefits, research assistance, data purchase, and costs associated with conducting experiments or participating in professional conferences. Our grants cannot cover indirect overhead.
How do I submit a proposal for consideration?
Equitable Growth releases requests for proposals periodically. Click here to learn more about current funding opportunities.
I’m not sure if my research is a good fit. How can I get feedback?
Please visit the Funding Opportunities page for an overview of our current funding priorities. If you still have questions or would like feedback about whether your research project may be of interest, please email grants@equitablegrowth.org (opens in a new tab) with a brief description of your research and the question(s) you have.
Research Economic Inequality With Us
We fund research examining how economic inequality affects economic growth and stability, with attention to how inequality impacts different demographic groups. We support studies that identify the causes of inequality and analyze how public policies influence the inequality-growth relationship.