Stage 2: Test Solutions
$350,000 to $800,000 for a maximum 3 years
Putting Science to Work
Our second investment stage funds teams that are (1) working in partnership, and (2) focused on developing and testing solutions in real-world settings. These projects are not defined by their method and therefore reflect a variety of different approaches. Some examples of Stage 2 impact labs include:
- A South Asian engineering firm, a Bangladesh-based research institute and Stanford's Luby Lab working together to rigorously evaluate a new approach to reducing pollution from brick kilns in Bangladesh
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Stanford's RegLab testing whether analysis of new data sources–like satellite technology–can improve detection of environmental noncompliance and ultimately improve environmental enforcement.
Stage 2: Test Solutions provides flexible funding for teams to develop and test solutions in collaboration with external partners. Maybe this means launching a pilot program. Maybe it means a research team deploying an innovative data-driven approach to a core challenge area from within a partner organization. Teams often use the funds to hire professional staff, fund data collection, or support partner costs.
To be eligible for Stage 2 funding, teams must have made significant progress defining the problem space, have a specific solution or solutions in mind, and have a strong partnership in place. Successful Stage 2: Test Solutions investments will have advanced the frontiers of knowledge on a particular solution, while taking tangible steps along their path from science to impact.
For more detailed information about eligibility, selection criteria, application requirements, and budget guidelines, please review our Stage 2: Test Solutions Request for Proposals (RFP). SIL accepts Stage 2 applications each year in September / October.
2024 Stage 2 Investments
Measuring the Impact of an Effort to Reduce Wealth Inequality in California Learn More
Designing an Evidence-based Model to Nurture Vulnerable Infants Learn More
Understanding if financial rewards can help patients adhere to prescribed medication. Learn More
A Platform for Young People in the Most Difficult Circumstances Learn More
Developing an Integrated Early Childhood Development Program for Rural China Learn More
Investment Stages
We make staged and sequenced investments that move social science to impact.