The Institute for Public Policy and Social Research is pleased to announce that it is accepting research proposals for the Michigan Applied Policy Research internal grant program, with 3-page applications and budgets due July 28th. The purpose 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 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. The grant funding runs for one year following notice of the awarded funds and the report is due shortly thereafter.  Examples of prior papers can be found on the IPPSR website.

 To apply, please submit a proposal identifying the specific policy- relevant issue 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 2023.”

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

The deadline for proposals is set for July 28, 2023 and grant awards are expected to be announced the week of August 14. 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).