Progress of Ideas Grant Program

The Progress and Poverty Institute (PPI), a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing equitable economic reform and scholarship, is accepting applications for its 2026 Progress of Ideas Grant. The initiative specifically targets U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations engaged in research and dissemination projects related to Land Value Taxation (LVT) or those utilizing the Mason Gaffney Digital Archive. This annual program underscores PPI’s commitment to fostering rigorous inquiry and public policy innovation aligned with the economic justice ideals of Henry George and his intellectual successors. The Progress of Ideas Grant supports theoretical, empirical, legal, computational, or strategic projects with the potential to expand the adoption of Land Value Taxation across the United States. Eligible applicants include academic institutions, think tanks, advocacy organizations, and cross-sector collaborations. Proposals may explore novel applications of LVT in urban, rural, or regional contexts, as well as assess the economic and social impacts of its implementation. PPI encourages work that connects academic research with practical strategies for policy adoption, outreach, or education. Another major focus of the grant is the use of the Mason Gaffney Digital Collection. Applicants proposing work in this area are expected to contribute to the accessibility, interpretation, and promotion of this extensive archive. Dissemination may take the form of traditional academic publishing or more public-facing engagement such as multimedia production, policy briefs, or educational resources. This dual-track funding program is designed to both deepen intellectual contributions and expand public awareness of land value economics. Award amounts will be considered up to $10,000 per grant. The grant allows for up to 10% of awarded funds to be used for indirect costs. While funding may support research staff, materials, dissemination efforts, and other allowable expenses consistent with nonprofit project budgets, capital projects or commercial ventures are ineligible. Additional funding from other sources may be included, but must be disclosed in the budget. The grant period may extend for up to two years and must commence upon execution of a grant agreement. Applications are to be submitted exclusively through PPI’s online application portal. Paper or email submissions will not be accepted. Applicants must complete all fields and respond to required prompts, with acknowledgment that limited AI tool usage (for clarity or translation) is allowed, provided the final content is original and individually generated. The application deadline is April 6, 2026, at 8:00 PM Eastern Time, and there will be no extensions. PPI will notify all applicants of award decisions by May 12, 2026. Deliverables and final payment schedules are codified in the grant agreement. Recipients unable to complete their proposed work must return unused funds. Grants are eligible for a one-time extension of up to 12 months, provided the request is made at least 90 days before the original end date and includes a signed justification letter, progress report, and financial statement. Deliverables submitted two weeks or more past deadline will trigger a delinquency notice, and PPI may withhold further payments or disqualify future applications. Should an awardee transfer institutions, formal closure and reapplication at the new institution are required. Questions about the program can be directed to grants@progressandpovertyinstitute.org or by phone at (973) 434-0005.