Arnold Ventures' Evidence & Evaluation team leads AV’s efforts to strengthen causal evidence in social policy. We believe that understanding which programs and policies work—and which do not—enables policymakers to direct limited resources toward the most effective strategies that improve outcomes at scale. Causal research employing strong, quasi-experimental methods is a critical component of the evidence-building process and important for increasing the knowledge base for decision-makers and stakeholders. Examples of quasi-experimental methods include natural experiments, regression discontinuity, difference-in-differences, and instrumental variable designs. 

This Request for Proposals (RFP) seeks to advance the knowledge base about potentially effective policies, programs, and interventions by funding rigorous, causal research using quasi-experimental methods in the following AV policy areas: Career Pathways, Contraceptive Choice and Access, Higher Education, Infrastructure, Medicaid, and Public Finance. For more information about application requirements and previously funded projects, please visit the Evidence & Evaluation page here. Please direct any questions to EvidenceTeam@arnoldventures.org. 

Please submit your letter of interest using this template by March 6, 2026. When you're ready to submit, please click "Apply."

We look forward to learning more about your proposed studies!