LOIs for Efforts to Advance Civic Science Approaches and Knowledge

Established in 1953, the Rita Allen Foundation invests in transformative ideas in their earliest stages to leverage their growth and promote breakthrough solutions to significant problems.

The foundation invites letters of inquiry proposing innovative, early-stage work that advances civic science approaches and knowledge. Inquiries may address issues and challenges such as emerging science on contentious issues, inclusive public engagement to inform science, projects highlighting the role of intermediaries and new alliances, pilots that mitigate the influence of misinformation related to science in public decision making, and evidence-based initiatives to advance more diverse, inclusive, and equitable engagement.

Ideas that seed or support early-career leaders or early-stage ideas; and proposals that incorporate working with underserved audiences and valuing diverse perspectives, bridging civic science research and practice gaps, and creating new partnerships and alliances are of particular interest.

Two types of inquiries are invited:

Seed Grants ($5,000-$25,000): Will be awarded to seed early-stage civic science ideas, pilot projects, and partnerships developed with or by early-career leaders.

Connection Grants ($25,000-$150,000 over two years): Will be awarded to support nonprofit organizations to develop civic science projects, build civic science alliances and networks, and foster beneficial knowledge and learning.

Applicants must be U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations conducting work primarily in the United States.

Letters of intent are due April 22, 2022, by 5:00 p.m. PT, and selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal, due on May 20, 2022.

For complete program guidelines and application instructions, see the Rita Allen Foundation website.