Best Public Policy Grants in Kentucky

Public charities and government units in Kentucky working on education or environmental stewardship can seek funding to strengthen local communities. Vulcan Materials Company Foundation supports K–12 and higher education, STEM initiatives, and fact-based environmental programs in areas where it operates; public policy organizations intersecting with these priorities may be eligible.

The National Fellowship Program, offered by the Jefferson Scholars Foundation, invites Ph.D. candidates across various disciplines to apply. The program emphasizes the importance of scholarly leadership and aims to foster intellectual collaboration. Eligible candidates must be nearing completion of their dissertation or have a detailed two-year plan. The fellowship includes mentorship, networking opportunities, and participation in conferences, encouraging interdisciplinary dialogue and professional growth.

Graduate students in Earth system sciences attending universities in Canada, the U.S., or Mexico can receive US $40,000 over two years for research, policy, or related work through the UCAR Next Generation Fellowship. University Corporation for Atmospheric Research provides Kentucky public policy and other relevant graduate students with funding, mentoring, and professional development in atmospheric and Earth system sciences.

Public policy researchers conducting randomized controlled trials on social programs can seek funding for rigorous evaluations in Kentucky and nationwide. Arnold Ventures supports RCTs that test policies and interventions across areas like criminal justice, health care, housing, and democracy to strengthen the evidence base and inform more effective government decision-making.

Researchers evaluating social programs and policies using quasi-experimental designs can apply for Arnold Ventures funding to conduct rigorous causal studies in the U.S., including Kentucky. Grants support work in areas such as public policy, higher education, workforce preparation, public infrastructure, and reproductive health, helping build evidence on what works for policymakers and stakeholders.

Public policy professionals with a Ph.D. in agronomy, crop, soil, or related sciences can apply for a one-year Congressional science fellowship in Washington, D.C., including participants from Kentucky. Grants from Crop Science Society of America help scientists work on legislative issues, receive a stipend and relocation support, and engage in AAAS and agriculture policy orientations.

Kentucky public policy organizations focused on early childhood development and education can access funding through Ohio Children’s Foundation to support children ages 0–5. Grants up to US $20,000 back quality early learning, school-readiness, literacy, and advocacy efforts that expand high-quality early childhood education and reduce toxic stress for at-risk children and families.

Kentucky public policy and international affairs nonprofits can access funding through the Japan-United States Friendship Commission to support U.S.-Japan research, education, exchanges, and public affairs projects. Eligible 501(c)(3) and Japanese NPO/一般社団法人 institutions may propose initiatives in arts and culture, exchanges and scholarship, education and public affairs, or global challenges that deepen U.S.-Japan understanding.

Public policy and research-focused 501(c)(3) organizations in Kentucky working on pollinator health, sustainable agriculture, or related advocacy can seek up to US $75,000 for projects and general operating support. With a mission to promote pollinator health and ecologically responsible agriculture, One Hive Foundation provides funding for science, public education, policy linkages, and community-based initiatives across the U.S. and Canada.

Universities, research institutions, and similar organizations studying public policy and behavioral impacts of legalized sports betting in Kentucky and other U.S. states can apply for research support from Arnold Ventures. With a mission to improve lives through evidence-based policy, Arnold Ventures provides funding for rigorous RCTs and quasi-experimental studies that inform regulation, consumer protections, and broader public-sector outcomes.

Undergraduate seniors and law students focused on public interest law and public policy in Kentucky can receive US $5,000 - US $10,000 in tuition support through the ISF Law Scholarship Program. With a mission to increase American Muslim representation, Islamic Scholarship Fund supports U.S.-based scholars committed to improving access to justice for Muslims in America.

Law students in Kentucky interested in public policy can receive support for unpaid judicial internships through a $3,000 stipend. Islamic Scholarship Fund provides U.S. Muslim law students with funding to intern at district, state, or federal courts, building experience in judges’ chambers and preparing for careers advancing justice for Muslims in America.

Muslim undergraduate or graduate students in film, television, acting, or theater who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients can apply for the Islamic Scholarship Fund’s film scholarship, awarding US $3,000 - US $5,000 for their studies. Students in Kentucky pursuing public policy–related media work may be especially interested.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored groups working on food system public policy and transformation in Kentucky can apply for Stray Dog Institute’s grants, typically US $2,500 - US $10,000. Funding can support advocacy, research, movement building, and related work on farmed animals, sustainable agriculture, environmental policy, labor, and food justice in the U.S. and internationally.

Graduate students focused on public policy, science, and technology can access funding through Harvard Kennedy School’s Charles Edison Fund Fellowship to support study and research in its Science, Technology, and Public Policy Program. Applicants from Kentucky pursuing advanced public policy education may be eligible as part of HKS’s merit- and need-based scholarship offerings.

Kentucky students pursuing public policy-focused MPP degrees who are graduates of Harvard College and plan careers in U.S. or international institutions on international affairs may be eligible for this fellowship. Harvard Kennedy School provides support combining merit and financial need for both U.S. and international students committed to public service leadership.

Public policy and higher-education students from Kentucky can apply for Kennedy Fellowships and Presidential Scholarships, which support study at Harvard Kennedy School; awards vary based on financial need. These merit- and need-based opportunities may benefit emerging public policy leaders seeking advanced training to impact government and community decision-making.

Public policy graduate students committed to LGBT+ community issues, including those from Kentucky, can receive fellowship support for study at Harvard Kennedy School. Harvard Kennedy School scholarships and fellowships combine merit and financial need and may benefit U.S. and international students pursuing higher education in public policy–related fields.

Alumni of a Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA) Junior Summer Institute seeking graduate public policy or international affairs study funding, including those from Kentucky, can apply for this scholarship from Harvard Kennedy School. This merit- and need-based support may benefit individuals aiming to advance public policy leadership and analysis in government and related sectors.

The Robert C. Seamans, Jr. Fellowship in Science, Technology, and Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School supports students excelling in research and management at the intersection of technology and public policy. This fellowship fosters future leadership in these critical areas, ensuring a commitment to addressing pressing public challenges. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged, as the program is designed to promote inclusivity and recognizes the importance of varied perspectives in policy-making.

The Scott and Isabelle Black Fellowship at Harvard Kennedy School supports students in two-year degree programs focused on addressing societal issues such as homelessness, poverty, and education. Awarded based on merit and financial need, this fellowship aims to cultivate future leaders in government and nonprofit sectors. It encourages studies that explore the causes and solutions to problems affecting vulnerable populations, ensuring that graduates are equipped to make a meaningful impact in their communities.

The HKS American Service Fellowship provides full scholarships and stipends for mid-career public service leaders to pursue a one-year Mid-Career Master in Public Administration at Harvard Kennedy School. Targeting U.S. military veterans, public employees, and alumni of service programs, this fellowship emphasizes skill development and community impact. Participants learn from esteemed faculty and engage with a network of changemakers, equipping themselves to address pressing societal challenges and enhance their leadership capabilities.

The Native Forward Scholars Fund Internship Assistance Program empowers Native students by providing financial support for internships in non-STEM fields. This initiative breaks down financial barriers, enabling students to gain practical experience in areas like public policy, education, and cultural preservation. Through this program, students enhance their skills while contributing positively to their Tribal communities. The funding covers essential costs such as travel and living expenses, ensuring transparency and accountability in financial assistance.

The Municipal Workforce Learning Lab, initiated by the National League of Cities in partnership with the American Institutes for Research, aims to tackle workforce challenges faced by city governments. The program seeks three cities to engage in an 8-month action planning process focused on recruiting, training, and retaining skilled workers. Participants will receive free coaching and technical assistance, helping them enhance their workforce policies and potentially serve as national models for effective local government employment strategies.

The Fiscal Year 2027 National Sea Grant College Program Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship offers an opportunity for students to engage in marine policy through a fellowship funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). With anticipated funding for at least 35 applications, each receiving $97,200, this program encourages applicants to connect with their local Sea Grant program for support. Early registration with SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons is crucial for eligibility.

Arnold Ventures

Arnold Ventures (AV) is a philanthropy dedicated to improving the lives of Americans through evidence-based policy solutions that maximize opportunity and minimize injustice. We focus on improving systems where outcomes are falling short, incentives are misaligned, and the time is right for change.

To advance this mission, we invest in rigorous research to better understand the root causes of problems and strengthen the evidence base on what works to solve them. Using this evidence, we advocate for policy reforms at all levels of government and help build durable, bipartisan coalitions for lasting change.

Causal Research on the Impacts of Cell Phone Policies in K-12 Schools

The Opportunity

Smartphones are nearly universal among children and adolescents in the United States: 95% of teens reported having access to a smartphone, giving them regular exposure to social media, gaming, and video streaming platforms. While smartphones can support learning and social connection, emerging evidence suggests that using phones during school may also interfere with important educational goals, including student engagement, attendance, and academic performance.

In response, more than 30 states have passed laws restricting cell phone use in K-12 schools in recent years. These policies vary widely, ranging from “bell-to-bell” policies to classroom-level bans on phones only during instructional time. Despite the rapid adoption of these policies, rigorous evidence on academic, behavioral, and mental health impacts remains limited. In the absence of strong research, federal and state policymakers, as well as school and district leaders, lack the information needed to make informed decisions that effectively support student success. Building a robust evidence base is critical for shaping policies and practices that improve learning and well-being in both the short- and long-term.

This RFP seeks to address these gaps by supporting rigorous, causal research on the academic, behavioral, and mental health impacts of cell phone policies in K-12 schools in the United States. We seek studies that generate actionable insights for policymakers, as well as school and district leaders, who are deciding whether and how to implement or refine such policies. This RFP will support both Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and Quasi-Experimental Designs (QEDs) that can credibly estimate causal effects. While we are open to a range of research questions, we highlight 2 areas of particular interest below.

What are the overall impacts of policies restricting cell phone use in K-12 schools?

• What are the short- and long-term impacts of cell phone policies on student-level outcomes, including academic achievement and attainment (e.g., standardized test scores, graduation rates), behaviors (e.g., engagement, attendance, disciplinary actions), and/or mental health (e.g., depression, anxiety, loneliness)?

• What are the short- and long-term impacts of cell phone policies on school-level outcomes, including school safety (e.g., reported incidents), school climate (e.g., bullying, social connections), and administrative factors (e.g., costs, logistics, communications with parents)?

• Do initial impacts persist, fade, or grow as schools refine their practices over time?

What factors explain variation in the impacts of cell phone policies?

• Which students, schools, and districts are most impacted by cell phone policies?

• Which policy design features (e.g., what devices are banned, when devices are banned, how devices are stored/locked) make cell phone policies more — or less — effective?

• Which implementation strategies (e.g., training and supports for school staff, consistent approaches for enforcement) make cell phone policies more — or less — effective?

• How do the resource and operational implications of different policy approaches (e.g., costs, staff time, infrastructure needs) influence their effectiveness? How do these factors affect the scalability and sustainability of effective approaches?

Transportation Research and Policy

Arnold Ventures (AV) is a philanthropy dedicated to improving the lives of all Americans through evidence-based solutions that maximize opportunity and minimize injustice.

The Infrastructure team has been investing in efforts to build better, faster, and lower-cost infrastructure with a focus on housing, energy, and transportation. For transportation, we are investing in policymaking and research that tackles the inefficiencies that make U.S. transportation infrastructure so difficult and expensive to build. 

Purpose

Transportation policy represents an avenue for improving the systems moving people, goods, and services. The Infrastructure team is seeking proposals evaluating the effectiveness and/or benefits of existing transportation or transportation-adjacent policies on outcomes for communities in the United States.

Eligible Projects and Topic Areas of Interest

This Request for Proposals (RFP) aims to bolster the knowledge base of potentially effective policies, programs, and interventions by funding efforts that align with key AV Infrastructure policy areas.

AV is primarily focused on traditional surface transportation — road and public transit — but is open to proposals in aviation, maritime, passenger and freight rail, trucking, and more.

We seek proposals for: 1) research, expanded data sets, or analysis; 2) administrative or legislative policy reforms at the federal, state, or local level; or 3) models of effective implementation including proposals for implementing agencies to partner with researchers or program evaluators to conduct baseline and post-intervention research on implementation effectiveness that will advance the knowledge base and provide illustrative examples within, but not limited to, the following topic areas:

• Transportation Capital Investment Reform. Evaluating how capital funding is prioritized and selected at the federal, state, or regional level, including discretionary grant programs and formula-based funding. What reforms could ensure projects deliver higher public returns?

• Cost Estimation, Oversight, and Accountability. Why do major transportation projects frequently exceed budgets and timelines, and how can we identify strategies to improve transparency, cost realism, and performance oversight?

• Access in Mobility Outcomes. Measuring how current transportation investments affect access to jobs, services, and economic opportunities for workers and families, and what policy changes could improve access.

• Performance-Based Project Selection. How can public agencies shift from current, politically driven allocations to datadriven, performance-based decision-making on capital project selections?

• Institutional Barriers to Reform. What organizational, legal, or procedural hurdles prevent DOTs and MPOs from adopting better practices (e.g., outcome-based planning, integrated land use/transportation policy)?

• Permitting and Permit Reform. How do current local, state, and federal permitting practices affect project cost, quality, timeline, and other concerns?

• Intergovernmental Dynamics. How do federal, state, and local funding structures and requirements enable or constrain effective transportation investment? What governance structures would improve outcomes when it comes to transportation planning and project delivery?

• Data Sets and Root Causes of High Delivery Costs. Expanded data sets on unit costs and/or research illuminating the root causes of why transportation and transit projects cost so much and take so long to deliver. What policy and practice changes could manage project delivery risks and improve the likelihood that projects will be delivered on s chedule and on budget?

• Domestic Content. How do Buy America and domestic content requirements affect the cost, speed, innovation, and effectiveness of transportation infrastructure projects?

• Procurement Process. How do current procurement practices affect project cost, quality, innovation, and accountability — and what policy and regulatory reforms could improve outcomes?

• Other. AV also welcomes innovative proposals on other transportation issues that align with our mission.

These research, policy development, and implementation proposals can be relevant to federal surface transportation reauthorization legislation or federal administrative changes; state reforms to Departments of Transportation; and/or local-level reforms relevant either to regional transportation agencies, transit agencies, or municipal governments.