The Institute supports the scholarly, community development, and educational activities of UIC faculty members and graduate students whose work focuses on race, ethnicity, and public policy. Applications for our fellowships and grants are welcome from all disciplines across UIC. Junior faculty and faculty and graduate students from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups are especially encouraged to apply.

Accepting applications for IRRPP funding opportunities!

Poster advertising funding opportunities with the UIC Institute for Research on Race and Public Policy

IRRPP is now accepting applications for all of our funding opportunities. Read below for details, application guidelines, and deadlines.

Reach out to irrpp@uic.edu with any questions. We look forward to reading your applications!

Faculty Funding

Photo of IRRPP Faculty Fellow speaking about her research at a podium

Faculty Fellowships

UIC Faculty Fellows receive support for exceptional research projects focusing on race and ethnicity that have the potential to influence public debate, community practice, and policy decisions. This support can take one of two forms: up to two course releases per year; or a research grant award of up to $7,500 per year for individuals and up to $15,000 per year for teams.

To learn more, read about our current and former Faculty Fellows.

Applications are open for the 2027-28 academic year. The deadline to apply is midnight on November 2, 2026.

A community member and UIC faculty member seated at a table at an IRRPP event

Policy & Social Engagement Fellowship (PSEF)

PSEFs fund UIC faculty members working with community organizations on community action projects related to race, ethnicity, and policy. The fellowship provides up to $15,000 to teams of faculty-community collaborators for year-long projects.

To learn more, read about our current and former PSEF Fellows.

Applications are open for the 2027-28 academic year. The deadline to apply is midnight on November 2, 2026.

Graduate Student Funding

Four UIC graduate students working at computers in IRRPP's office

Dissertation Research Grant

The Dissertation Research Grant is part of IRRPP’s Emerging Scholars Program. The award is open to UIC doctoral students who are ABD. Awardees will receive up to $2,500 to complete research centered on race and/or ethnicity and policy.

See the guidelines for more information.

Applications are open. The fall deadline to apply is October 16, 2026. 

A UIC graduate student working at a computer in IRRPP's office

Emerging Scholars in Residence Fellowship

The Emerging Scholars in Residence Fellowship is for UIC doctoral students who are ABD and whose research centers race and/or ethnicity and policy. Those who fit the criteria are welcome to apply for a semester-long fellowship.

See the guidelines for more information.

Applications are open. The fall deadline to apply is October 16, 2026. 

Other Funding Opportunities

Two leaders of community organizations speak at an IRRPP event

Co-sponsorship Grants

IRRPP supports the dissemination of research on race, ethnicity, and public policy with grants of up to $500.00 for events developed by UIC units or community organizations.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until available funds have been allocated.