Yang-Tan WorkABILITY Incubator

The Center for Applied Research on Work (CAROW) at ILR is excited to announce funding for a new initiative to be housed in its K. Lisa Yang and Hock E. Tan WorkABILITY Incubator.  CAROW invites proposals that tackle big societal challenges with clear applicability for policymakers, employers, unions, and workers. We are especially interested in proposals that include a clear focus on application of research findings to practice and/or policy. In addition, initiatives that bridge or make use of different disciplinary approaches to the study of work are especially encouraged to apply. We are open to a range of areas of focus with a strong interest in proposals that address issues of mental health at work or AI and its implications in the workplace. The maximum funding amount is $100,000 a year for a period of two years.

CAROW exists to connect research on work with the practice of putting it to use.  With its home base at Cornell University’s ILR School, CAROW promotes new collaborations and innovation around the most pressing issues around work, labor, and employment of the day. Through training, convening, and the development of new tools, CAROW provides resources to change work for the better. 

Applications are due by April 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EDT.  
Awardees will be announced in May 2026, for an August 2026 launch.

All PI-eligible Center for Applied Research on Work Faculty Affiliates and Cornell faculty conducting applied research on labor, employment, and work are eligible to apply. Those who are not already affiliated with CAROW will be invited to affiliate at the time of application approval. Applications should include faculty from two or more departments, institutes, or programs across ILR and/or Cornell University. 

Successful applications will explore timely issues related to work that lead to the development of new tools, processes, or structures with the goal of guiding action. Proposed initiatives should be collaborative in nature and involve at least two units (i.e., departments, institutes, programs, etc.) across ILR or Cornell. We are particularly interested in funding initiatives that directly address contemporary critical practice and/or policy challenges, can be brought to scale, and are likely to lead to external funding. Proposals should clearly articulate plans for scalability of the initiative at the conclusion of two years of funding. 

Funding will be provided in the amount of up to $100,000 per year starting July 1, 2026, for a maximum of two years. Applicants are encouraged to leverage CAROW funding to seek out additional grant opportunities. Plans to do so should be included in the proposal. 

A key goal of CAROW is to translate academic research into clear findings for policy makers and practitioners and to ensure a tangible impact on the world of work. As such, initiative leaders agree to: 

• Design a project plan to guide measurable action through the initiative. 
• Provide a clear articulation of the initiative's relevance outside the walls of academia. 
• Develop informational materials on the initiative and its learnings for public dissemination, such as videos, op-eds, explainers, etc.   
• Participate in the CAROW Policy Lab, webinars, and public presentations to stakeholders. 
• Provide ongoing updates on accomplishments and challenges. 

As an Incubator Initiative, CAROW funds can be used to support staff positions (contingent on appropriate approvals), costs of new tool development, direct research expenses, travel, meetings with collaborators or potential funders, undergraduate or hourly graduate research assistance (summer grad RA stipends are also acceptable) supporting the faculty project, and specialized hardware or software. 

Application materials must include a narrative summary of your proposed initiative and your mid and long-terms plans for scaling this effort. This narrative should include a clear articulation of expected impact, timeline, and budget. 

Please submit applications here. 

The CAROW team will review each application and notify applicants in March 2026. 

Applications will be reviewed for their ability to demonstrate the following: 

• Innovation—Proposes to explore novel solutions, tools, or ideas for significant challenge. 
• Justification—Provides a strong rationale for the proposed initiative and an articulation of why this is timely, relevant, and will result in a clear deliverable.   
• Applied in Nature--Clear articulation of how the proposed initiative will inform policy and practice related to work, labor, and employment 
• Feasibility—Initiative’s goals can be accomplished with the proposed budgeted funds within a two-year timeline. 
• Scalability—Demonstrates potential for implementation and growth in the future, as well as potential to secure additional future funding.  
• Collaboration—Includes PI-eligible faculty from 2 or more depts/institutes/programs across ILR or Cornell 

Contact Anne DeCecco at CAROW if you have any questions.