The American Political Science Association (APSA) invites applications for the Spring 2026 Centennial Center Research Grant Program, which provides awards of up to $2,500 to support research across all fields of political science. Submit your applications here!
The application deadline for the Spring Centennial Center Research Grants is March 15, 2026.
The Spring Application Cycle
The program is designed to expand access to research funding for scholars whose institutional positions or professional circumstances provide limited or no research support. Each year, approximately 15–25 grants are awarded through a peer-review process.
For scholars who do not qualify for this program, APSA offers additional funding opportunities through the Centennial Center for Political Science and Public Affairs. More information is available on the APSA website. To apply, please complete the online application form and upload the required materials.
These grants aim to reduce structural barriers to scholarship and help ensure that high-quality research can move forward regardless of institutional constraints. Funding is intended for:
- Contingent and non–tenure-track faculty who do not have access to departmental research funds
- Faculty of any rank in non-PhD-granting departments, where research support is often limited
- Unaffiliated scholars, including those who are unemployed or are independent researchers
- Graduate students in political science or related disciplines
Application Criteria & Eligibility
Submit your applications here by March 15! Applicants must be APSA members at the time of application.
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Eligible applicants include:
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Non-eligible applicants: |
Lower priority if applied: |
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Applicants who have received other APSA research funding (excluding travel grants) within the last two years will receive lower priority.
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How to Use Spring Centennial Center Research Grant Funds
Funds may be used for such research activities as travel to archives, travel to conduct interviews, administration, and coding of instruments, research assistance, and purchase of datasets.
- Travel to archives or field sites
- Interviews
- Data collection, coding, and research assistance
- Purchase of datasets or research materials
- Disability-related supports needed to conduct research
Funds may not be used for APSA event registration, PI salary, indirect/overhead costs, or secretarial support (except for final manuscript preparation).
Award Amount
- Individual awards up to $2,500
- Funds must be spent by September 30 of the year following the award
- A brief report is due by December 31 of the following year
- Awards paid to individuals are reportable income (1099)
Optional Need & Impact Statement
To help ensure equitable distribution of funds, applicants are invited (but not required) to include a brief statement describing any structural or institutional barriers that limit access to research funding, and how this grant would enable progress on the proposed project. This question is voluntary and does not affect the evaluation of scholarly merit.
Please submit all grant applications and materials by Sunday, March 15, 2026. If you would like to learn more about these grants go to the Centennial Center website. If you do not qualify for the Spring Centennial Center Research Grant Program, APSA offers additional funding opportunities through the Centennial Center for Political Science and Public Affairs. Information on other research grant programs is available on the APSA website.
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