Eligibility and application process

Is there a citizenship requirement for the application?
No. These grants are available to any persons affiliated with a U.S. institution. Noncitizens must be able to accept funds according to the terms of their visa.

What should the Letters of Reference address?
The SSRC Online Application Portal provides the following guidelines for referees:

  • How long, how well, and in what capacities have you known the applicant?
  • How would you describe the applicant’s past achievements and promise as a researcher?
  • What do you regard as the applicant’s most significant research achievement?
  • What are the applicant’s qualifications for carrying out the proposed research project successfully and in a timely manner? (Does the applicant have the academic or professional preparation, including methodological training, adequate for undertaking this project?)
  • What are the strengths and weaknesses of the proposed project?
  • How well, in your view, does the proposal meet the Negotiating Agreement in Congress Research Grant aims?
  • What other information about the applicant, or the proposal, is significant?

If I submit my application before the deadline, can I change it?
No. No alterations will be accepted after the application has been submitted.

May I submit my application by fax or email?
No. Applications sent by fax or email will not be accepted. Applicants must use the SSRC’s Online Application Portal to supply the necessary information.

How can I find out whether the program has received my application?
An acknowledgement of receipt will be sent automatically via email upon successful submission of the application. If you do not receive an automatic email confirmation within 24 hours of submitting your application, please contact democracy@ssrc.org . Please specify “NAC Research Grants” in the message subject line.

When will applicants be notified of an award decision?
Awards will be announced in November 2017.

Grant Terms

What are the start and end dates of the grant?
The term of the grant period is December 2017 to December 2018. Funds will be distributed at the beginning of the grant. Final reports are due January 2019.

How many awards are offered in a given year?
Up to eight grants will be awarded per year.

What research expenses are eligible for funding?
The grant funds may be used for research-related travel expenses and accommodations, research equipment and supplies, as well as support for research assistants, and costs for access to publications or proprietary databases. Award funds cannot be used to cover expenses related to living expenses at your home institution (e.g., storage costs, rent, or mortgage), child care, or for salary or fringe benefits for the grantee.

Do the grants cover indirect costs?
No. The grant funds can only be used for direct costs and not overhead. If awarded a research grant, you may choose to have your award paid through your home institution rather than to you directly. However, your institution will have to provide a letter confirming that no indirect costs will be withheld.

May grantees hold other fellowships and/or awards simultaneously?
Decisions about concurrent awards will be by made by the Selection Committee and program staff on a case-by-case basis.

How many researchers does the grant support?
The Negotiating Agreement in Congress Research Grants only support a single PI. Should individual applicants be part of a collaborative project, we ask that the names of any collaborators be listed in the application; funds can only support the individual applicant.

Do I have to pay to attend the Negotiating Agreement in Congress Research Grants workshop?
No. The Anxieties of Democracy program will pay for travel, accommodations and meals at the workshop.

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