Seed Grant

The Institute for Social and Economic Research and Policy announces an opportunity for one-year research Seed Grant Awards of up to $40,000 for research that takes place between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027.

The main goal of this project is to offer social science researchers the chance to undertake major research programs that may require initial results or proof of concept to attract external funding. The ISERP Seed Grant program places a priority on high-risk, high-return research, including work that develops new theories, identifies new areas of methodological innovation, or bridges different substantive domains. Projects may be domestic, international, or comparative.

These awards should have the potential to lead to additional federal, foundation or private funding. Recipients of the award are encouraged to submit future grants that emerge from their projects through ISERP.

Eligibility

Applicants must be full-time faculty members appointed in one of the six social science departments in the Faculty of Arts & Sciences at Columbia University or SIPA. 

Full-time visiting faculty and lecturers must be on appointments expected to extend beyond one year and last fully through the period of the award. If you are in this category, your department should confirm as part of your application.

We especially encourage early-career faculty to apply. Priority will be given to junior faculty applicants and applicants who have not been awarded a seed grant by ISERP in the last three years. All PIs must play an active role in the proposed project. We encourage applicants, particularly those submitting for the first time, to speak with a member of ISERP’s research development office.

Learn more by visiting About ISERP Seed Grants. 

Applicants should submit:

  • A five-page research proposal that details the specific aims, background to the study, preliminary data (if any), research plan, innovation/significance, future plans, and details on each investigator’s role on the project
  • A line item budget, utilizing the budget sheet attached to this call. Please download a copy to complete and submit along with the application.
  • A budget narrative explaining how line items in the budget relate to the early work you need to convert your ideas into a fundable project
  • A plan for seeking outside funding
  • A CV or NSF-Style biosketch for each investigator
  • Full-time visiting professors and lecturers should also include an email from the department Chair or DAAF confirming your eligibility and length of appointment.

 

Proposals should be submitted electronically via ISERP’s website here.

Proposals will be funded on the basis of:

  • The intellectual merit and innovation of the proposed project
  • The seed grant’s relationship to the proposed major project
  • The project’s organization and judicious use of funds
  • The plausibility of the investigator’s plan for seeking outside funding

 

ISERP requires that all funded seed grant projects receive approval or exemption from Columbia’s IRB before funds are released. We generally advise that applicants prepare to submit their protocols for review before or promptly after the receipt of notice of award decisions (typically 6-8 weeks after the application due date). 

Duration: One (1) Year

Award Amount: Up to $40,000

Application Deadline: April 10, 2026

Award Period: July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027

Apply Now