Grantmaking and Partnerships

Led by a cross-sector Leadership Board that is ideologically diverse and representative of often-siloed groups, WorkRise invests in research on policies, programs, and practices that have the potential to accelerate economic security and mobility for low-wage workers. We fund analyses and the creation of data that shed light on labor market barriers, trends, and opportunities. And we engage in strategic partnerships that help advance evidence-based solutions in support of our mission. Learn more about our most recent request for proposals and how you can collaborate with WorkRise.

The Latest

In Depth

Social determinants of work

October 02, 2023

Who Is the Low-Wage Workforce?

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In Depth

Social determinants of work

October 02, 2023

Where Is the Low-Wage Workforce?

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Skills and training

September 26, 2023

The Impact of Student Debt on the Low-Wage Workforce

Student loan debt has a negative impact on labor market outcomes and economic mobility, with disparate economic impacts for low-wealth households. Burdens fall more heavily on Black and Latinx borrowers and those who did not complete their degree.
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Working Knowledge

The Latest

Job search and matching September 19, 2023
Research Summary

How Job Search Limitations Worsen Wage Inequality

Wealth inequality, societal expectations, and declining worker power worsen wage gaps by making it more difficult for people of color and women to search for better-paying jobs.

Annabel Stattelman Scanlan

September 19, 2023
Worker voice, representation, and power September 12, 2023
Research Summary

Understanding Diverse Economic Outcomes in the Transgender Community

This research study highlights the economic disparities faced by transgender workers in the US, underscoring the importance of inclusive data collection and antidiscrimination policies to promote equity and inclusivity in the labor market.

Oluwasekemi Odumosu

September 12, 2023
Worker voice, representation, and power September 06, 2023
Article

How Unions Can Increase Firm Productivity and Strengthen Economic Growth

Evidence suggests that the benefits of labor unions are widespread for the American economy, for businesses and workers alike.

Kate Bahn, Joe Peck

September 06, 2023
Worker voice, representation, and power September 01, 2023
Research Summary

Unionized Energy Workers Concerned About Employment Frictions with Transitions to Renewable Energy

Research finds that unionized energy workers are concerned about transitions from fossil fuels to renewable energy industries, emphasizing the role that workers must play in climate change policy discussions.

Enaya Saleh

September 01, 2023

Research

Employer practices Executive Summary December 10, 2022

Executive Summary: The National Study of Workplace Equity

In a new study, researchers from Work Equity, an initiative at the Boston College School of Social Work, and SHRM find that much progress needs to be made on equity across the employment lifecycle. Based on a survey of just over 1,000 workplaces, researchers find that equity is implemented inconsistently across 10 discrete employment systems.

Samuel L. Bradley, Jr., Marcie Pitt-Catsouphes, Kathleen Christensen

Grantee Research

December 10, 2022
Social determinants of work Brief September 29, 2022

The EITC and Racial Income Inequality

A new analysis from WorkRise grantees finds that the earned income tax credit reduces racial income inequality among lower- and middle-income households but may widen it for households in deep poverty.

Bradley Hardy, Charles Hokayem, James Ziliak

Grantee Research

September 29, 2022
Worker voice, representation, and power Report July 28, 2022

Worker Power and Economic Mobility: A Landscape Report

This landscape report summarizes empirical evidence on two main pathways for workers to exercise their power in the labor market: the ability to exit their current job for  better outside options and organizations and institutions that build worker voice within firms.  

Ioana Marinescu, Jake Rosenfeld

WorkRise Research

July 28, 2022
Job search and matching Report July 20, 2022

Search and Matching in Modern Labor Markets: A Landscape Report

This landscape report synthesizes research on how job seekers find work and how employers post and fill open positions in the labor market. It also explores frictions experienced by both parties and implications for workers’ economic mobility.

Alexander W. Bartik, Bryan A. Stuart

WorkRise Research

July 20, 2022