Applications are now open for the I TREES–EGAP Small Grants 2026. Researchers in Latin America and the Caribbean can receive up to USD 5,000 to support advanced-stage research projects examining the causes and consequences of inequality.
Overview
Researchers working on inequality-related issues now have an opportunity to secure funding to finalize and strengthen their research projects through the I TREES–EGAP Small Grants 2026.
The programme is jointly organized by TREES (Teaching and Researching Equitable Economics from the South), an initiative of the Center for Studies on Economic Development (CEDE) at the Universidad de los Andes, and the Latin American Hub of Evidence in Governance and Politics (EGAP).
The grant seeks to support advanced-stage research projects that explore the causes, consequences, measurement, history, and broader dimensions of inequality across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Selected projects can receive funding of up to USD 5,000 alongside opportunities for peer review and academic feedback.
About the Grant
The I TREES–EGAP Small Grants programme supports rigorous and innovative research that contributes to a deeper understanding of inequality.
While economic inequality remains a key focus, the programme welcomes proposals that investigate social, cultural, environmental, political, racial, gender-based, and institutional dimensions of inequality.
The initiative encourages applications from researchers working across different disciplines and methodological approaches.
Funding is intended to help researchers strengthen and finalize projects that are already at an advanced stage of development.
What Will Selected Researchers Receive?
Successful applicants will benefit from:
Research Funding
- Grants of up to USD 5,000 per selected project
Peer Review Support
- Opportunity to participate in a peer-review workshop
- Constructive feedback from experienced researchers and experts
Academic Visibility
- Exposure to regional networks working on inequality research
- Opportunities to strengthen research outputs before publication
Research Development Support
- Expert input to improve methodology, analysis, and overall research quality
Research Topics of Interest
The programme welcomes research on a broad range of inequality-related themes, including but not limited to:
Social Segregation
- Income-based segregation
- Residential inequality
- Educational segregation
Economic and Cultural Inequality
- Social mobility
- Wealth disparities
- Cultural exclusion
Women and the Economy
- Gender inequality
- Women’s economic participation
- Labor market disparities
Diversity and Inclusion
- Racial inequality
- Ethnic diversity
- Gender diversity
Environmental Justice
- Climate inequality
- Environmental vulnerability
- Access to natural resources
Migration and Social Interaction
- Migration patterns
- Social integration
- Community dynamics
Discrimination and Stereotypes
- Structural discrimination
- Social exclusion
- Identity-based inequalities
Labor Market Inequality
- Wage disparities
- Employment opportunities
- Informal labor markets
Fiscal Policy and Inequality
- Taxation systems
- Public spending
- Redistribution policies
Governance and Institutions
- State-citizen relationships
- Formal and informal institutions
- Public policy and inequality
Education and Inequality
- Inclusive education
- Diverse learning environments
- Educational access and outcomes
Who Can Apply?
The grant is open to researchers based in Latin America and the Caribbean.
To be eligible:
Principal Investigator Requirements
Applicants must:
- Serve as the Principal Investigator (PI)
- Be affiliated with a legally established non-profit institution or organization
- Be based in a country within Latin America or the Caribbean
Host Institution Requirements
The host institution must:
- Be willing to administer the grant if awarded
- Provide support for project implementation and financial management
Project Stage
Projects should already be at an advanced stage and be seeking feedback and support for finalization.
Selection Process
The selection process consists of two stages.
Stage 1: Letter of Inquiry Review
Submitted applications will be evaluated and shortlisted for participation in the peer-review workshop.
Stage 2: Peer-Review Workshop
Selected researchers will present their projects during a workshop.
The selection committee will then identify projects for funding based on:
- Academic rigor
- Feasibility
- Research quality
- Contribution to understanding inequality
- Potential impact and relevance
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be assessed using several key criteria.
Research Problem
Applicants should clearly define:
- The inequality-related issue being studied
- Research objectives
- Research questions
- Significance of the study
Originality and Contribution
Projects should demonstrate:
- Innovation
- Relevance
- Potential contribution to existing knowledge
Methodological Quality
Researchers must show that:
- The methodology is appropriate
- The research design is robust
- The proposed approach can effectively answer the research question
Feasibility
Applications should demonstrate:
- Realistic timelines
- Practical implementation plans
- Availability of necessary resources and data
Writing Quality
Proposals should be:
- Clear
- Well-organized
- Easy to understand
- Academically rigorous
How to Apply
Step 1
Complete the official Letter of Inquiry form.
Step 2
Provide information about:
- The research project
- Research objectives
- Methodology
- Expected contribution
Step 3
Submit the Letter of Inquiry before the deadline.
Step 4
Await notification regarding workshop selection.
Step 5
If selected, participate in the peer-review workshop.
Important Dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Letter of Inquiry Opens | 11 May 2026 |
| Letter of Inquiry Deadline | 24 June 2026 |
| Workshop Acceptance Notification | 30 July 2026 |
| Peer-Review Workshop | September 2026 |
| Grant Award Notification | 20 September 2026 |
| Grant Formalization | 15 November 2026 |
| Final Report Submission | 30 May 2027 |
Summary Table
| Item | Details |
| Grant Name | I TREES–EGAP Small Grants 2026 |
| Funding Amount | Up to USD 5,000 |
| Organizer | TREES and EGAP Latin American Hub |
| Target Region | Latin America and the Caribbean |
| Eligible Applicants | Researchers Based in Latin America and the Caribbean |
| Research Focus | Inequality Research |
| Application Type | Letter of Inquiry |
| Application Deadline | 24 June 2026 |
| Workshop Date | September 2026 |
| Final Deliverable Deadline | 30 May 2027 |
Conclusion
The I TREES–EGAP Small Grants 2026 programme offers an excellent opportunity for researchers working on inequality-related issues to secure financial support and valuable academic feedback. With grants of up to USD 5,000 and access to peer-review opportunities, the initiative seeks to strengthen innovative research that can deepen understanding of inequality and contribute to evidence-based policymaking across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Researchers with advanced-stage projects exploring economic, social, environmental, political, racial, or gender dimensions of inequality are strongly encouraged to apply before the June 24, 2026 deadline.
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