The Foundation makes targeted grants for work in major areas of the social sciences, including anthropology, area studies, economics, political science, psychology, sociology, and urban studies, as well as newer areas such as evaluation research. Preference will be given to projects that deal the contemporary issues in the social sciences and issues of policy relevance, and to scholars in the initial stages of research. Awards are allocated solely on the basis of merit.
Applicants are not required to be U.S. citizens or U.S. residents. Candidates may propose new projects, and they may also solicit support for research in progress, including final work on a dissertation, supplementing research in progress, travel funds, or preparing a work for publication. Preference will be given to advanced graduate students and untenured assistant professors and instructors.