The Cook Center on Social Equity and the Duke Center for Community-Engaged Scholarship invite proposals for community-engaged research on housing and economic well-being in Durham and the surrounding region.
The RFP offers pilot grants up to $50,000 and planning grants up to $10,000. Proposals should align with local housing priorities and include an equitable and sustainable collaboration with one or more local community partners.
This initiative aligns with key focus areas for both Duke centers. Neighborhoods, Housing and Infrastructure is one of five key focus areas for Duke Community Affairs, while Educational and Economic Opportunity is a core research pillar of the Cook Center.
Proposals must include a narrative, budget and show significant engagement with local community partners. Projects are also encouraged to include partnership with faculty from North Carolina Central University. Applications are due April 3, 2026 at 5pm by submitting in a single PDF to dcces@duke.edu, with decisions announced in early May.
interest webinar
The partners to this RFP will offer a webinar on March 12 at 4pm for faculty and community interested in applying for this opportunity. The webinar will also be an opportunity for community partners and faculty to meet and consider possible partnership on planning grant proposals. Register to attend the webinar >
Questions
Please submit questions via email to dcces@duke.edu and a member of the Center for Community-Engaged Scholarship staff will follow up.