The Institute for Humane Studies is seeking proposals for funding in several areas of interest pointing toward a future of abundance, progress, and freedom. Proposals are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Please select one of the topics below to learn more:
Energy Innovation
Grant Amount
Up to $5,000
Overview
As artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies transform the global economy, there is a pressing need for innovation in energy technology and policy to meet the increasing demand for energy. The Institute for Humane Studies recognizes a need for research that can inform sound energy policy and guide innovation toward a future of energy abundance—one in which energy is safe, affordable, and reliable.
IHS invites applications from academic scholars whose research pertains to innovations in technology, energy markets, and energy policy that can meet the energy needs of the future and power the AI revolution. We are especially interested in proposals that bridge disciplines. Research deliverables can include peer-reviewed publications, policy white papers, or shareable research databases.
Most accepted projects will not exceed $5,000, though we may consider larger grants for exceptional projects.
Application
To respond to this request for proposals, please click the “Apply Now” button below. You will be redirected to submit your proposal using our Expense Support application.
Please select “Request for Proposals – Energy” in answer to the question “How did you hear about this program?”
Timeline
Proposals will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by January 31, 2026.
Debating AI Existential Risk
Grant Amount
Up to $5,000
Overview
The pursuit of artificial general intelligence has sparked fears of unaligned superintelligences turning on their creators. But the mechanisms by which we might arrive at that nightmarish future—or not—remain under-interrogated. The debates over x-risk and AI safety ought to be grounded in clear logic, realistic estimates, and an awareness of the fundamental limitations of making predictions about an uncertain future.
IHS invites academic scholars whose research pertains to AI to apply for funding, especially those weighing the practicality of the social, political, or economic mechanisms behind AI risk. We are especially interested in proposals from scholars in the social sciences and humanities who can bring insights from disciplines focused on studying human behavior and the adoption and implementation of new technologies.
Successful proposals will include clear deliverables, including but not limited to academic publications or public-facing experiments (e.g., newsletters). Most accepted projects will not exceed $5,000, although we may consider larger grants for exceptional projects.
Application
To respond to this request for proposals, please click the “Apply Now” button below. You will be redirected to submit your proposal using our Expense Support application.
Please select “Request for Proposals – AI” in answer to the question “How did you hear about this program?”
Timeline
Proposals will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Priority consideration will be given to those who apply by March 2, 2026.
Reforming the Balance of Powers in the US Government
Grant Amount
Up to $5,000
Overview
The concentration of power within a single branch of the federal government at the expense of the other branches, the states, and the people themselves has long been a concern for those who value the freedom of individuals and their communities to govern themselves.
IHS invites academic scholars whose research pertains to reforming the balance of powers in the United States government to apply for funding. We are especially interested in proposals examining state and local governance, unitary executive theory, and relations between Congress and the Executive Branch. We’re also interested in historical research on such topics as executive power during the Founding Era, presidential involvement in electoral college vote counting, and presidential appointments and emergency powers.
Most accepted projects will not exceed $5,000, though we may consider larger grants for exceptional projects.
Application
To respond to this request for proposals, please click the “Apply Now” button below. You will be redirected to submit your proposal using our Expense Support application.
Please select “Request for Proposals – Balance of Powers” in answer to the question “How did you hear about this program?”
Timeline
Proposals will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by March 2, 2026.
IHS welcomes proposals that take a wide range of methodological and substantive approaches. Funding decisions are based on scholarly merit and anticipated contribution to public understanding, not on expected policy conclusions. Awarded scholars retain full academic independence over their research design, analysis, and publication of results.
