Public Exchange Network Expansion Grants

About this program

The Social Science Research Council, with support from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, offers Public Exchange Network Expansion Grants to eligible U.S. R1 universities to establish campus-based programs connecting researchers with government, nonprofit, and industry partners to address urgent public challenges. Grants cover 75–80% of estimated launch costs for two years, including a $300,000 executive director compensation subsidy, licensing, training, project support, and network resources. Applicants must be members of SSRC’s College and University Fund for the Social Sciences, hold R1 status, and submit dean- or central leadership-level support. Selected institutions must hire an executive director, establish seed and operations funding, develop at least three high-impact partnerships, contribute approximately $85,000–$90,000 annually, and apply through a rolling Letter of Interest process.