The Korea Foundation

2025 KF Funding Opportunities

Support for Policy-Oriented Research Program (U.S. Only)

Note: For institutions outside of the U.S., please go directly to the following page:

2025 Support for Policy-Oriented Research Program (Non-U.S.)

Program Outline

The Support for Policy-Oriented Research program provides grant funding for research projects or programs that conduct in-depth analysis and develop policy recommendations on Korea-related political, social, and economic issues impacting the international community.

Eligibility

Overseas research institutions, think tanks, or university-affiliated research institutions located in the United States

Applications must be submitted under an institution’s name, not by an individual.

Supported Areas

1.  Policy research related to Korea on topics such as:

- Issues concerning the Korean Peninsula, including but not limited to regional security, the ROK-U.S. alliance, non-proliferation, soft power, minilateralism, etc.

- Collaboration in science and technology security policy, including but not limited to semiconductors, batteries, the global supply chain, cyber-security, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, space technology, etc.

- Collaboration on global issues, including but not limited to economic security, human rights and democracy, climate change and the environment, energy security, etc.

2. Education program for Next Generation Policy Experts

3. Establishment of a Korea Chair/Fellow position focused on Korea-related research

- Applicant institutions must match the funds provided by the KF, typically following a 50:50 cost-sharing arrangement. These matching funds can originate from the institution's budget or external sponsors.

Grant Coverage

Project expenses, salaries for researchers and staff, honoraria, travel expenses, publication fees, indirect costs (in an amount of up to 10% of direct costs), etc.

Please note that KF grants do not cover general operating expenses, such as rent, utilities, and administrative salaries unrelated to the project. Additionally, capital expenditures, such as acquiring major equipment not related to the project, are not covered.

Grant Period

Up to one year

Even if institutions have a multi-year research plan, they must apply for the KF Support for Policy-Oriented Research program each year to have their projects reviewed annually. However, in the case of proposals for the establishment of a Korea Chair/Fellow position, multi-year support may be available.

Program Schedule

1. Application Period: July 1 to September 2, 2024, by 6 p.m. KST (2 a.m. PDT, 5 a.m. EDT)  

2. Notification of Results: By December 31, 2024

Results will be communicated directly to the affiliated institution.

Required Documents

1. Online application: Please click the "Apply" button below this webpage.

Application Guidelines

Applications and all required documents must be submitted online in Korean or English by September 2, 2024 through the "Apply" button.

Evaluation Criteria

Priority will be given to projects that demonstrate:

- Excellence of the research plan

- Capacity and experience of project director’s achievements and activities related to Korea and East Asia

- Budget feasibility

- Anticipated results of the proposed project and plans for dissemination of research findings

All applications will be reviewed by an external review committee composed of experts in policy research.

Reporting

Selected applicants will conclude a grant agreement with the KF and must submit the following within the grant period:

1. Final report in the KF’s format, signed by the project director

2. Financial statement in the KF’s format, endorsed by the institution’s highest financial officer

3. Project outcomes, including any relevant publications, articles, program books, links to videos or podcasts, etc.

Important Reminders

1. Applicant institutions must notify the KF of any relevant changes to the information contained in the project plan after submission.

2. During the application screening process, the KF may request additional information or adjustments to the project plan.

Contact

Please review the Frequently Asked Questions for the Support for Policy-Oriented Research program to see answers to simple questions and issues. [Go to FAQ]

For technical assistance, contact: tech-support@kf.or.kr

For inquiries about the program, contact: researchsupport@kf.or.kr