Listening and Learning in a Polarized World

Request for Proposals (now closed)

The RFP was open November 28, 2022 through January 24, 2023

Polarization is a critical obstacle to human flourishing. Templeton World Charity Foundation’s Listening and Learning in a Polarized World (LLPW) supports research for new scientific discoveries that can help humans flourish in a world confronted with increasing polarization.

In this Request for Proposals (RFP), we seek to fund up to 12 projects that will advance the knowledge base for researchers seeking to measure and map polarization between and within societies and cultures. For the complete call, please see our Challenge Statement.

To learn more about our Listening and Learning In a Polarized World priority, click here.

Human Flourishing

The goal of this RFP

The ultimate goal of this first LLPW RFP is to understand the underlying mechanisms of polarization and depolarization, with clear and measurable indicators of these mechanisms.

Scroll down to see our Process and Timeline, Webinars, and more.

For complete instructions, download our Application Guidance Document (PDF).

Download PDF

Successful proposals will:

  • Include a literature review that situates the proposal in relation to relevant conceptual and empirical work.
  • Seek to generate, modify, validate, or falsify one or more theoretical models of polarization through empirical work in two or more cultural contexts.
  • Be a theoretical model that focuses on mechanisms of polarization at one (or more) of the following three levels: biology (neuroscience), individual (cognitive, affective, or behavioral), or social networks.
  • Seek to identify, develop, and/or rigorously evaluate measures of the proposed mechanisms at play.
  • Seek to identify universal and culturally specific mechanisms of polarization. 
  • Provide a working definition and scope of polarization for the model and measurements. Clarity is required to understand whether models and measurements are specific to the type of polarization of interest or applicable to polarization generally.
  • Utilize open research practices as described in the application guidelines and agrees to participate in a collaborative research network.

​​​​​​Process and Timeline

  • Launch Date: November 28, 2022
  • Webinar 1: Exploring Scope and Application Process: December 8, 2022
  • Webinar 2: Last Minute Questions Regarding Submission: January 18, 2023
  • Submission deadline: January 24, 2023
  • Announcement of finalists: Mid to late April 2023
  • Announcement of awards: Late June 2023
  • Earliest start date: September 1, 2023
  • Project duration: 12 - 24 months
  • Maximum award amount
    • $250,000 which includes up to 15% indirect/overhead
  • Apply Here

Webinars

Watch the 2 webinars in the videos below to learn more about if and how this RFP applies to your research. These recordings offer information on our open research requirements and provide answers to any submission questions.

Webinar 1 - LLPW RFP - Exploring Scope & Application Process

Play the video for important information about applying for this RFP.

Webinar 2 - LLPW RFP - Last Minute Questions Regarding Submissions

Play the video for important information about applying for this RFP.

Listening and Learning in a Polarized World: Polarization

Play this video for insights into why this area of focus matters for human flourishing. To learn more about our Listening and Learning In a Polarized World priority, click here.

How to Apply

Register now using Fluxx, our grant management system's portal.

Access the Portal now

 

Why we are making this an open and collaborative initiative:

TWCF recognizes that an open, collaborative approach involving global, interdisciplinary teams will achieve more reproducible and innovative outcomes. We have structured this RFP as an open and collaborative funding call with three main goals:

  1. To accelerate discovery. 
  2. To increase equity. 
  3. To learn from our experience to hone and implement more best practices across our funding programs.