Supporting Sexuality Research
Overview
The goal of this work is to ensure evidence-based sexuality and reproductive health and rights research informs public policy and understanding.
The Challenge
Research into human sexuality is woefully underfunded, concentrated in biomedical disciplines, focused on individual behavioral change and often highly politicized. Little is understood of the social and cultural dimensions of this basic aspect of humanity. Moreover, research in developing countries and communities of color in the United States is not grounded in the realities of the communities.
What We're Doing
Our work seeks to fill the knowledge gaps so that public policy and programs can be informed by research-based evidence rather than assumed norms.
In the United States and globally, we support efforts to strengthen and expand research that addresses the diverse social and cultural dimensions of sexuality and reproductive health. We also fund training for researchers to build the skills and resources to engage the public, policy makers and advocacy communities with new perspectives based on sound research.
Request for Proposals
We are seeking submissions in response to our "Sexuality, Health and Rights Among Youth in the United States" RFP to help social science researchers inform public policy and public understanding of youth sexuality issues. The deadline is Jan. 6, 2012.
Learn more about how our strategies and approaches shape our grant making.
From the Newsroom
- Survey Sheds Light on the Future of the Culture Wars Majority of Americans say abortion should be legal, younger generation shows strong support for same-sex marriage
- Ford Foundation Awards Grants for Innovative Research on Youth Sexuality Six organizations to explore the social, economic and cultural forces shaping youth sexuality in the United States
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