The Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR) is pleased to announce that it is again accepting research proposals for the Michigan Applied Policy Research Grant (MAPPR) program. The purpose of the MAPPR program is to link the work of faculty to current state policy discussions.
The program provides grants of up to $30,000 from a total of $150,000 distributed. Grant recipients will conduct applied research on a current policy issue of concern to communities and policymakers in Michigan and submit a policy brief on their research findings intended for policymakers. Topics can represent a broad scope of interests. This year, Michigan policymakers may be interested in transportation, the impact of federal budget changes for state programs, economic development, and housing (though all policy areas will be considered). We will accept bridge funding proposals for canceled federal grants if they are on topic. The grant funding runs for one year following notice of the funds awarded. Examples of prior papers can be found here.
Grant recipients for each award must include at least one Michigan State University faculty member to serve as the lead investigator. Collaboration among faculty and interdisciplinary research are encouraged, as is the engagement of graduate student researchers.
To apply, please submit a three-page proposal identifying the specific policy- relevant issues the research will address, the related research questions to be asked, and the methodology to be used, along with a detailed budget. Submissions should be emailed to submissions to weinfel8@msu.edu, noting the email subject as “MAPPR 2025.” IPPSR may reach out to authors with questions about submitted proposals.
Proposal Submission Checklist:
- Names and affiliations of author(s)
- Brief description of the policy issue and related problems in Michigan
- Proposed research questions and potential policy applications
- Methodological approach and research details
- Any expectation of using the State of the State Survey or other survey research
- A full budget and project timetable
Deadline
The deadline for proposals is set for June 16, 2025 and grant awards are expected to be announced the week of July 7. More specific information about the award and expectations is included in the guidelines below. Questions and submissions may be directed to Arnold Weinfeld, IPPSR Associate Director, at weinfel8@msu.edu.
Summary Guidelines
Awarded Investigators agree to:
- Provide regular updates and keep composition on track during the course of the grant
- Disperse financial support as budgeted and on schedule over one year
- Write a policy relevant, research-based briefing paper (10 pages, including summary)
- Write a blog post or news story highlighting research findings (1-2 pages)
- Provide attribution to the “Institute for Public Policy and Social Research, Michigan Applied Public Policy (MAPPR) Grant Program” in related publications and presentations.
Timetable
The proposed research will be completed within one year of funding. The researcher(s) will connect with IPPSR periodically to discuss progress and work through any challenges. If the research entails survey research with IPPSR’s Office of Survey Research or the State of the State Survey, the Principal Investigator(s) will want to consult with those units as they develop their proposal to receive process and budget information.
Budgets
All expenditures will go through IPPSR and follow MSU business procedures. There will be no transfer of funds to other MSU departments or units outside of IPPSR. The following outlines acceptable expenditures:
Acceptable Charges to a MAPPR Account
- Research assistance from graduate students, undergraduate students, support staff, or post- doctoral researchers
- Graduate student health and tuition waivers
- Research equipment, data, or travel necessary for the specific project
- Survey research through the Office for Survey Research or the State of the State Survey
Not Acceptable Charges to a MAPPR Account
- Indirect costs at MSU or other universities
- Faculty salaries, course releases, sabbatical salaries, or summer salaries
- Educational or training programs
- Conference travel
Questions regarding the budget proposal or charges to the MAPPR Grant account should be directed to Iris Taylor Harper (taylori@msu.edu).