The deadline to apply for the 2026 Transnational Initiatives Fund was March 15, 2026. Check back this fall for the 2027 application procedures. See below for general information.   

HISTORY

The Society for the Study of Social Problems established the Transnational Initiatives Fund to provide partial travel support for scholars from regions defined as part of the Global South, as recognized by the American Sociological Association. This includes economically disadvantaged countries and nation-states, as well as politically, economically, and culturally subjugated regions within all countries.

Funding is distributed among all qualified applicants based on demonstrated need and documented expenses.

APPLICATIONS

Applicants may only apply to one travel fund. 

• International scholars from the Global South as defined by the American Sociological Association must apply to the Transnational Initiatives Fund.
• Unemployed and underemployed sociologists must apply to the Erwin O. Smigel Award.
• Students must apply to the Lee Student Support Fund. A student is defined as someone who is currently enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral program at an institution of higher learning. 
• International students must apply to the Lee Student Support Fund.
• Non-U.S. based international scholars from politically, economically, and culturally oppressed groups in disadvantaged countries not considered part of the Global South must apply to the Lee Scholar Support Fund.

The application deadline for travel funds to attend the 2026 Annual Meeting was March 15, 2026.

Please address all questions to:

Dr. Jamella N. Gow, Chair
Transnational Initiatives Committee
j.gow@bowdoin.edu