Frequently Asked Questions | The AIR Opportunity Fund
Why did AIR create the Opportunity Fund?
Since 1946, AIR has been committed to generating and using rigorous research and evidence that addresses complex social issues and contributes to a better, more equitable world. In 2021, AIR invested in its mission by launching the AIR Equity Initiative to fund research, technical assistance, and partnerships to address the harmful effects of inequality. In three years, more than 70 projects have been funded.
In 2023, AIR began looking to the future, considering a new name for the initiative to better reflect its identity as a funder and an expanded strategy to advance its goals—creating more opportunities for people and communities to thrive.
The AIR Opportunity Fund is a $225 million investment to support community-driven research and technical assistance projects in the U.S. and internationally. Complementing AIR's client-focused work across the behavioral and social sciences, this fund allows AIR to apply what we are learning, experiment with new strategies, and drive long-term, meaningful change to advance our mission.
What prompted the addition of a place-based funding strategy, and what does it mean in practice?
Systemic inequities are often deeply rooted in specific geographic locations. By adopting a place-based funding strategy, we aim to address these disparities by working directly with communities to dismantle systemic barriers to help communities thrive. Through strong relationships with local leaders, organizations, and residents, we aim to develop more inclusive and sustainable solutions.
What are the key areas of focus for the AIR Opportunity Fund?
The AIR Opportunity Fund focuses on four key areas: education, public safety and policing, workforce development, and community health and well-being. These areas represent the pillars of opportunity that can transform lives and help communities thrive.
In addition to funding place-based research and technical assistance projects, the AIR Opportunity Fund also invests in partnerships with changemakers at the global, national, and local levels and supports efforts to bring more diverse perspectives into the social and behavioral sciences.
How will the AIR Opportunity Fund select the communities it will support through its place-based strategy?
Communities will be selected through a thorough analysis that combines quantitative data with qualitative insights. We will use socioeconomic data and engage with local leaders and residents through listening sessions to understand each community's strengths, needs, and aspirations. This process ensures that our partnerships are meaningful and responsive to local conditions.
How does the AIR Opportunity Fund plan to work with local communities?
We aim to build partnerships based on trust and mutual respect. The AIR Opportunity Fund will collaborate closely with local organizations, leaders, and residents, providing funding for innovative interventions as well as technical assistance and evaluation support from AIR’s deep bench of social scientists. This collaborative approach ensures that community voices drive the development and implementation of initiatives.
How will the place-based strategy affect the AIR Opportunity Fund's ongoing grants and projects?
Existing grants and projects will be unaffected by the name change or the addition of a place-based strategy. We will honor our current commitments and continue supporting research, evaluation, and technical assistance work while integrating new strategies to enhance our impact.
How will the AIR Opportunity Fund measure its success?
Success will be defined by the communities we support, not us. We will work with local partners to set indicators for measuring progress and outcomes in key focus areas. Our goal is to evaluate how our investments help reduce inequality and enhance local solutions.
What role does research play in the AIR Opportunity Fund’s strategy?
Research is integral to our approach. It guides the questions we ask, the data we collect, and how we use it. To ensure that research is relevant and useful, we fund projects that value community organizations and local researchers as experts. Our goal is to support community learning and contribute to the broader knowledge base to address similar challenges effectively.
How can organizations or communities apply for funding from the AIR Opportunity Fund?
We have begun a series of listening sessions and community engagements in the coming months. The first round of place-based funding opportunities will be announced in early 2025, following the release of a request for proposals (RFP). Our timeline for investments will be guided by the insights gained from these engagements. Details about the application process will be announced in early 2025.
How can people stay informed about the AIR Opportunity Fund?
Information about funding opportunities, community partnerships, and research findings will be posted on our website and shared through our newsletter and social media. Subscribe to our mailing list and follow us on LinkedIn for the latest updates.
