When is the next deadline to fill out an on-line concept application?

August 15, 2009.

Will I get feedback if I send my concept application in before the deadline?

No. The trustees review all concept applications in the fall.

What if I am not sure if our research project fits the Foundation guidelines?

Call us and ask. We like to hear about your work and are eager to help if we can.

What is the difference between community based research and traditional academic research in communities?

Please see Definitions of Community Based Research for clarification on the differences between the types of research funded by the Foundation.

Will the Foundation make research grants to individuals?

It can only support research projects sponsored by not-for-profit organizations. If you are an individual, for example, you would apply through your university, university department, research institute, or a community organization.

Will the Foundation fund dissertation research?

No. Applicants should be aware that they will be competing with well-established community organizations, research institutes, and seasoned scholars/activists in the field whose research is an integral part of larger community, institutional, and social change effort.

Will the Foundation support research projects outside the United States

No. The Foundation does not make exceptions.

Does the Foundation make multi-year research grants?

The Foundation prefers to make one-time awards to organization in support of specific research projects or research project components.

Will the Foundation provide basic support for ESL, job training, and other human service programs?

The Foundation does not support direct services. It favors requests related to community-based research used in conjunction with advocacy, community organizing, social activism, and other strategic efforts that promote change in organizations, communities, public policy, and in the social sciences.

Does the project have to include a research component?

Yes. All projects must have a strong research component. The mission of the Foundation is to support projects that use research and related strategies of assessment and inquiry to build knowledge and help address social concerns.

Can our request include overhead/indirect costs?

The Foundation does not have a strict policy about funding overhead for community organizations. It will not, however, support indirect costs of universities. Applicants should justify all of the costs they are allocating to the grant.

What do we put down for our organizational budget in the concept application if we are a university?

We use this figure as a proxy indicator of organizational size and capacity. Put down the department budget if you know it or leave it blank if you are a big organization.

Are past grants indicative of what types of research projects will be funded in the future?

Not exactly. The Foundation continues to evolve and refine its grantmaking program as it identifies opportunities and sharpens its mission.

How many times per year does the Foundation accept proposals?

Once in November.

Are the application deadlines a postmark-deadline or a receipt-deadline?

Applications must received by the deadline unless it falls on a weekend or holiday in which case the deadline is the next working day.

Is my information up-to-date?

We update our Web pages frequently. Most pages have a "last revised" date at the bottom. Make sure your browser cache options are set to verify documents at least once per session and hit "Reload" or "Refresh" button to load the latest version of the web page

Last updated 6/26/09.

Sociological Initiatives Foundation
c/o Prentice Zinn, Program Officer
Grants Management Associates
77 Summer Street, 8th Floor
Boston, MA 02110
617-391-3091
pzinn at gmafoundations.com