Apply for Funding

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.

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 $5,000 per year for individuals and up to $10,000 per year for teams.

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

Applications are closed for the 2025-26 academic year. The 2026-27 academic year funding cycle will open in August 2025.

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 $10,000 to teams of faculty-community collaborators for year-long projects.

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

Applications are closed for the 2025-26 academic year. The 2026-27 academic year funding cycle will open in August 2025.

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 $2,000 to complete research centered on race and/or ethnicity and policy.

See the guidelines for more information.

Applications are closed for the 2024-25 academic year. The 2025-26 academic year funding cycle will open in August 2025.

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

Dissertation Research Fellowship

In 2024, IRRPP is piloting a new funding program: IRRPP Dissertation Fellowship. UIC doctoral students who are ABD and whose research centers race and/or ethnicity and policy are welcome to apply for a semester-long fellowship.

See the guidelines for more information.

Applications are closed for the 2024-25 academic year. 

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.