In February 2021, the HTRI launched an open call for proposals for seed grants for partnership building, pilots, and data analysis. This RFP is closed as of March 21, 2021. This announcement document describes the RFP in detail, and the application guidelines covered specific details on how to apply.

Due to the gravity and pervasiveness of human trafficking, it is of vital importance that practitioners, policymakers, and researchers strengthen the evidence on what programs work to reduce trafficking and protect victims. Innovations for Poverty Action established the Human Trafficking Research Initiative (HTRI) to work with researchers and partner organizations to expand the evidence base on effective solutions to reduce modern slavery and human trafficking. Over the next five years, IPA aims to facilitate and support meaningful, rigorous, and policy-relevant studies on trafficking to help combat this egregious global problem. 

The purpose of this research fund is to build on sound theory and programmatic information for combating human trafficking. This Initiative is supported by the U.S. Department of State’s Program to End Modern Slavery and academic leadership of Dr. Cecilia Hyunjung Mo (University of California, Berkeley) and Dr. Guy Grossman (University of Pennsylvania).

With this RFP, the HTRI will give preference to underrepresented researchers in the field. We encourage applications from minority researchers, such as women, junior scholars, first-generation college graduates, and citizens of lower- or middle-income countries. Local researchers and local organizations are necessary for the success of many human trafficking programs and assessments; this will be incorporated into our proposal assessment.