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Description

Research Grants: The Center for the Study of Federalism (CSF) awards grants totaling up to $15,000 each for original research and/or writing that advances thinking about federalism as a principle of American government, law, or politics.  Areas of focus may include but are not limited to: political philosophy and theory, political history and development, public policy, law (including constitutional law), political institutions, political behavior, and political culture. Research should focus solely on U.S. federalism but consideration will be given to comparative research in which U.S. federalism is a significant component and from which can be drawn a better understanding of U.S. federalism. Applicants are expected to have earned a doctoral degree and to have a record of published research. CSF seeks to support the work of scholars who will further the study of American federalism. Scholars and faculty members from colleges, universities, and independent research institutions are welcome to apply.

Limitations

Research grants may be used to cover the cost of travel for research purposes, research materials (including relevant software), fieldwork, research assistance, and other pertinent expenses. The grant may cover expenses related to attending conferences and publishing CSF-supported research. Grant funds may not be used to cover indirect or overhead costs.

Deadlines

  • February 15: for a June decision.
  • September 15: for a January decision.

Note: Our deadlines recently changed. For 2024 only, we will accept research grant applications up to October 15.

Requirements

  • A narrative, not to exceed 1600 words, explaining the scope and significance of the subject matter
    to be researched, the research design, a work plan, and publication plan (including potential outlets).
  • Bibliography, not to exceed one page, of works cited and important works in the field.
  • A line-item budget showing the basis of calculation for each line (e.g., 10 books at $40 per book average = $400).
  • A recent C.V.
  • Two letters of recommendation.
  • Institutional certification, an authorized institutional signature from your institution’s grants officer certifying
    that your institution approves your proposed budget, that your research proposal complies with your institution’s
    rules and regulations, that your institution has the institutional facilities needed to conduct the proposed research, and
    indicating the institution’s willingness to receive and administer the grant.

Recipients must submit a mid-term report indicating major activities and the progress of work, whether work is proceeding on schedule and in budget, and the likelihood of timely completion. Any budget changes exceeding 10 percent of funding require CSF approval. A final narrative report is due within 60 days after the end date of the grant cycle, along with your institution’s financial and technical reports. These reports are necessary in order for CSF to make final payment on the grant. We request that the final narrative report be about 2500 words and that it effectively summarize the research findings for posting on CSF’s website. We also ask each recipient to write a “Digest” of 1200-1400 words summarizing the research findings. The Digest is sent to about 30,000 U.S. high-school teachers and posted on CSF’s website. Alternately, if the subject matter is not suitable for a Digest, we ask each recipient to participate in a CSF podcast to discuss and summarize the research.

All products generated with the use of CSF funding must acknowledge said funding as follows: Research for this work was conducted with support of a grant from the Center for the Study of Federalism.

Dissertation Grants: The Center for the Study of Federalism also awards grants totaling up to $7,500 for ABD students conducting dissertation research that will advance thinking about federalism as a principle of American government, law, and politics. The grant may be used to cover the cost of travel for research purposes, research materials (including relevant software), fieldwork, and other pertinent expenses. The grant may cover expenses related to attending conferences and publishing CSF-supported research. Applicants should include letters of recommendation from two faculty members, one of whom must be the applicant’s dissertation chair.

Submission

Submit your application online by clicking on the red “APPLY” button below.  Inquiries should be sent via email to csf@federalism.org.

Apply Now

NOTICE: We are experiencing problems with our submission process and ask applicants to submit their application via the following email: centerforthestudyoffederalism@gmail.com. If you previously submitted your application via this website, please resubmit your application via the above email.

Previous CSF Research Grants Awarded:

2023: Dr. Benedict S. Jimenez, Georgia State University, for research on “Assessing the Implementation of the America Rescue Plan Act: Views from the Ground” ($15,000). FINAL REPORT (abbreviated)

2022: Dr. Samuel Workman, West Virginia University, for research on “Local Budgetary Dynamics: Extra Pie and Budgetary Tradeoffs” ($15,000). Measure Thrice, Punctuate Once: Assessing Measures of Local Budgetary Change

2022: Dr. Janine Parry, University of Arkansas, for research on “State Party Monopolies Since the New Deal” ($13,749). Final Report

2022: Dr. Michael J. Nelson, Penn State University, for research on “Is the Culture War Exacerbating Brain Drain?” ($14,000). Final Report

2022: Melanie Fillmore, Boise State University, for dissertation research on “Collaborative Governance on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons in Idaho” ($4,090).

2021: Dr. Daniel E. Hall, Miami University, for research on “Same=Sex Marriage and Unsame Law: The United States Constitution in American Samoa” ($15,000).

2021: Dr. Shanna Rose, Claremont McKenna College, for research on “Federalism and the Minimum Wage” ($14,708).

2020: Dr. J. Wesley Leckrone, Widener University, for student research assistants to help develop database for “Federalism and Gubernatorial Agendas for CSF website content ($4,340).

2016: Dr. J. Wesley Leckrone, Widener University, for student research assistants to help develop CSF website content ($500).

2016: Dr. Andrew Karch, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, for research on “States as Stakeholders: Federalism and Policy Feedback Effects on Governmental Elites” ($14, 939).

2015: Dr. Eric Zeemering, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL for research on “Federalism, Borders, and Local Networks for Great Lakes Water Protection” ($12,668).

2014: Dr. John Kincaid, Lafayette College, Easton, PA, for 2014-15 sabbatical support ($50,619).

2014: Dr. Barbara Allen, Carlton College, Northfield, MN, for support of documentary film on the lives and works of Vincent and Elinor Ostrom ($11,000).

2013: Dr. Richard L. Cole, University of Texas, Arlington, for support of a graduate research assistant for survey research on teaching federalism ($5,000).