CSRI Call for Proposals Fall 2025.pdf

Call for Proposals - Fall 2025

Research Cluster for the Study of Racism and Inequality

Amount:    CAD $5,000
Application Deadline:    December 8, 2025
Notification of Award:    February 27, 2026

The Research Cluster for the Study of Racism and Inequality (CSRI) within the Centre for Criminology and Sociolegal Studies at the University of Toronto solicits project proposals that fit with its mission to situate contemporary expressions of inequality and structural violence within legacies of colonialism, capitalism and oppression, and to formulate pathways toward mitigation and, ultimately, eradication. In line with its five operating principles, the Cluster aims to generate knowledge in ways that develop applied agendas which bridge academic scholarship with social justice and community work.  For this reason, research in the following four thematic areas will be identified and funded, with a special concern for methodological innovation and building of community partnerships:

I.    Institutional infrastructure reform in regard to racialization and inequality particularly relating to law enforcement, criminalization, incarceration and re-entry
II.    Youth, racialization, and the process of socialization
III.    Decolonization and knowledge production; Indigenous justice
IV.    Social movements, community activism, and critical public spheres

The Cluster welcomes applications for projects or events that form or draw on long lasting collaborative exchanges with community-based organizations and citizen groups, as well as establish alliances with other centres, schools, and institutions within the university, the province, and beyond. We also encourage work that establishes dialogues with policy-makers and develops conversations with members of local, provincial, and federal government institutions regarding inequality and the justice system. We can provide seed funding for up to CAD $5,000, which may be used for programming as well as grounds for matching funds from other granting organizations.

CSRI particularly encourages applications for projects focused on Indigenous peoples, women, sexual diversity, gender-based violence, disability, Caribbean communities, and the Global South.

Application requirements

Applicants should submit a proposal of 1,000-1,250 words that includes a project description and timeline; clarification of how the project fits with one or more of the thematic areas listed above; and discussion of methods and projected outcomes. In addition to the proposal, applicants should submit a CV/resume for the project leader(s); a budget justification projecting how the funds will be used; and the name and contact information of at least two references.

All award recipients will be expected to present their findings in the 2026-2027 academic year as part of the Research Cluster’s seminar series, submit a progress report (1,000 words) fifteen months after the award is granted, and acknowledge the Research Cluster’s financial support in all outputs.

Application assessment criteria

The adjudication committee will evaluate proposals using the following criteria:

• Alignment of the proposal with the vision of the Cluster, particularly in respect to anti-racism, anti-oppression, and social justice
• Clearly thought-out, appropriate, and innovative methods including feasibility, clear and actionable timelines, and milestones
• Appropriate integration of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Indigeneity (EDIAI) concerns. Priority will be given to BIPOC applicants and members of historically under-represented groups.
• Potential project impact, including but not limited to decolonization, legal reform, academic research, public scholarship, and applied knowledge.
• Appropriate and justified budget.
• A holistic assessment of the applicant(s) access to opportunity, career stage, and commitment to EDIAI in relation to their professional development, which may include, but is not limited to, prior academic, research, or professional accomplishments, and future potential.

All applications and materials must be received by the CSRI Program Administrator at csri@utoronto.ca by December 8, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. EST.