Grants Portal

What We Fund

Funding the Research that Creates Real-World Impact

The Haynes Foundation supports high impact research in local governance and democratic participation. We believe that our local democracy works best when its goal is to generate measurable outcomes that improve people’s lives across the Los Angeles region.

Explore the range of grant opportunities for researchers in academia and beyond who are breaking new ground in the areas of governance and democracy to make local government more transparent, accountable, and responsive.

GOVERNANCE & DEMOCRACY INITIATIVE

Commissioned Projects

By Invitation Only

Invitation-only Commissioned Research funds impactful research and strategic initiatives aligned with the Foundation’s mission and priorities around strengthening governance and democracy in the LA region. At this moment, our commissioned research program is aimed directly at fostering the sound implementation of the major reforms in LA County governance embodied in Measure G.
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GOVERNANCE & DEMOCRACY INITIATIVE

Governance & Democracy Grants

Open to all fields of study in the social sciences, these grant opportunities support research and action that improve how local governments serve, engage, and represent community members.
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Archival Grants

Archival Grants support a limited number of projects relevant to the LA region, its history and public policies, including archival preservation, accessibility, and organization of critical historical archives.
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Doctoral Dissertation Fellowships

The Haynes Lindley Doctoral Dissertation Fellowships are awarded to PhD candidates in the LA region who are conducting research related to public policy as well as historical studies.
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Special Programs

Offered through invitation only, selective grant support helps fund special programs and events that align with the Foundation’s mission and strategic priorities. These may include one-time initiatives, pilot programs, convenings, or community events designed to advance meaningful impact in the areas we serve.
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Faculty Fellowships

Phased Out

The Haynes Foundation is phasing out our Faculty Fellowships. View list of 2026 awardees.
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Recent Grants

Read about recent Haynes Foundation grants advancing critical issues around LA County reform (Measure G), local governance, and democracy.

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FAQ

View our FAQ for answers about our Governance and Democracy Initiative, LA County Reform (Measure G), grants, and applying.

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For 100 years, the Haynes Foundation has been a catalyst for meaningful change across the Los Angeles region—advancing practical ways to strengthen how government serves the public.