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The Washington Institute for Public Affairs Research

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Washington Institute for Public Affairs Research 4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington, DC 20016 United States

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What is WIPAR?

The Washington Institute for Public Affairs Research serves as a bridge between the academic and policy worlds, advancing scholarly research that addresses pressing issues and concerns. The Institute helps SPA researchers organize and support research projects and promotes collaborative work, effectively putting the lessons of academic research into practice.

WIPAR helps faculty members navigate the proposal process, offering hands-on expertise in conceptualizing, drafting, and coordinating the process between you and the SPA administration. Whether you have an idea and need to find a funding source or if you have a proposal that is ready for submission, we are here to help you start the process.
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Explore WIPAR

Writing a proposal takes time and effort. It involves planning, managing resources, working with colleagues and refining the project's goals. Find additional guidelines and resources that are commonly requested during the proposal submission process here: DPT SPA Finance and Administration Notebook

WIPAR hosts Ideas Labs each semester—an engaging workshop series where faculty present their developing research projects, receive valuable feedback, and collaborate with peers to refine their ideas. These sessions offer a dynamic environment for brainstorming creative solutions and uncovering potential external funding opportunities. To learn more, reach out to WIPAR at wipar@american.edu.

WIPAR invites representatives from major federal and non-profit funding organizations to campus to share insights into the evolving funding landscape. Past speakers have included representatives from the National Science Foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. These sessions provide an inside look at agency priorities, emerging research interests, and the nuances of their grantmaking processes—offering faculty a valuable opportunity to engage directly with potential funders. For more information, or to suggest specific agencies you’d like to connect with or see visit SPA, contact WIPAR at wipar@american.edu.

WIPAR Newsletter

Find our monthly newsletter here 

Upcoming Deadline Calendar

WIPAR Events

Three people stand together at event with Dr. Sue Desmond-Hellmann.

Expanding Opportunity in America with Dr. Sue Desmond-Hellmann

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Two people stand with Darren Walker at the event.

Justice and Opportunity for All with Darren Walker

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Group of people seated and watching speaker address crowd.

Inequality in America: Beyond the Numbers

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