한국국제교류재단

2026 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:

2026 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, space technology, etc.

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

2. Education program for Next Generation Policy Experts

- Aiming at enhancing understanding of Korea through academic seminars, workshops, and mentoring for emerging policy experts

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

- Please determine whether to apply for the Korea .Chair or Korea Fellow position based on the following two criteria:

  1) The expected duration of the position within your institution

  2) The scope of the proposed research and activities

- Korea Chair: This applies when the institution intends to establish and maintain the position for multiple years (at least three years) and when the proposed research and activities go beyond a single-year project and are long-term in nature. Any institution wishing to submit a project proposal for the establishment of a Korea Chair is required to contact the KF prior to submitting the application (Contact: researchsupport@kf.or.kr).

- Korea Fellow: This applies when the institution intends to appoint the position on a one-year basis, and the proposed research and activities are focused on a one-year project.

*An applicant institution may apply for multiple projects (e.g., Policy Research, Establishment of a Korea Chair). However, please submit a separate application for each program. Note that the project proposal form varies by program. Ensure you download the correct form for your project.

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, 2025, by 6 p.m. KST (2 a.m. PDT, 5 a.m. EDT)

2. Notification of Results: By December 31, 2025

*Results will be communicated directly to the affiliated institution.

Required Documents

1. Online application through the KF Online Application Portal (https://apply.kf.or.kr)

- Please click the “Apply” button below this article to go directly to the portal.

2. Application materials to be uploaded with the online application

- Research proposal* (Attached)

- Project budget in US dollars

- CVs of project director, co-investigators, and/or co-organizers

*Please note that that the project proposal form varies by program (Policy Research, Next Generation Education Program, Establishment of Korea Chair/Fellow position). Ensure you download the correct form for your project.

Application Guidelines

Applications and all required documents must be submitted in Korean or English through the KF Online Application Portal (https://apply.kf.or.kr) by September 2, 2025.

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