The Abstract

> Edited by Torie Ludwin, Arnold Ventures (AV)

The only thing Arnold Ventures likes more than relevant, rigorous research is more relevant, rigorous research. That is why we are happy to announce that our Evidence and Evaluation team is launching a second round of requests for proposals (RFPs) following a set of successful responses from earlier this year.  

The “Strengthening Evidence” RFP will fund rigorous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluate innovative programs and policies. The “Building Evidence” RFP will fund rigorous causal research using quasi-experimental methods that align with key AV policy areas, including Higher Education, Career Education and Training, Infrastructure, Contraceptive Choice and Access, and Public Finance.

“The strong response to our first RFP announcements this year shows there is tremendous opportunity to support the relevant, rigorous research that can inform policy decisions from city halls to Capitol Hill,” said Justin Milner, Arnold Ventures’ executive vice president of evidence and evaluation. “Through our Partnerships for Proven Programs in Maryland, Colorado, and Oklahoma, we have seen firsthand how policymakers work to turn research into impact. We are excited to continue building that body of actionable evidence through this RFP.”

Letters of interest (LOIs) are due by Friday, June 13, 2025.  

Interested in learning more? The E&E team will host a webinar on Thursday, May 15, at 1 p.m. ET to provide an overview of what we are looking for and to answer any questions. We have also posted a new set of frequently asked questions and are always reachable at EvidenceTeam@arnoldventures.org.

AV Executive Vice President of Health Care Mark E. Miller has been named one of Washington, D.C.’s Most Influential People of 2025 by the Washingtonian for his work to make health care affordable and accessible for families, employers, and taxpayers. The annual list recognizes non-government thought leaders who have driven meaningful impact in their respective fields; Mark was also named to the list in 2024.

Read the list>

AV Comments on the Newly Launched Bipartisan “Build America” Caucus

Charlie Anderson, executive vice president for infrastructure at Arnold Ventures, provided the following statement reacting to the launch of the bipartisan Build America Caucus:

“The Build America Caucus launch, with several dozen members from both parties, is yet another sign of the bipartisan momentum behind evidence-based policies that will get America building again. We look forward to working with the Caucus to build the energy, housing, and transportation infrastructure of the future – faster, better, and at lower cost.”

Learn more about the caucus>

Data Dive

15

Percentage point increase in graduation rates in a new study of the CUNY ASAP student success program

A new 8-year follow-up study by MDRC found that the CUNY ASAP student success program resulted in a 15 percentage point increase in graduation rates and a 14 percent increase in average earnings for participants. These findings add to the growing body of evidence that shows the persistent and substantial positive outcomes from ASAP.

Read about the study and findings>

What We’re Reading

Public Finance

• While the Trump administration is considering tariffs on pharmaceuticals, AV Executive Vice President of Public Finance George Callas points out in The Wall Street Journal that tax reform might work even better to bring down costs. (free link)

• As Congress continues to debate changes to the tax code,🔒The Chronicle of Philanthropy profiles AV’s Tax and Fiscal Policy Fellow Scott Hodge as “the leading voice calling for greater taxation of nonprofits that are ‘businesslike in function.’”

  
  

• More than 30 House Republicans, led by Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), Vice Chair of the Budget Committee, wrote a letter to Congress calling for the passage of reconciliation legislation that is “genuinely fiscally responsible.” Kudos to Smucker and the signatories.

Health Care

• In a recent letter to Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS),  AV highlights many of the issues plaguing our health care system including market consolidation, inflated prices, poor care coordination, and anticompetitive practices.

Some Final Inspiration

Broadcaster, biologist, writer, and natural historian Sir David Attenborough released his newest documentary to theaters on his 99th birthday this week, “Ocean.” Attenborough finds hope for the environmental stability of the planet through the care and recovery of our oceans. To no surprise, the imagery in the trailer is gorgeous, and his message offers a path to optimism. The film will be available globally on National Geographic, Disney+, and Hulu later this year. Says Attenborough, “For once you have truly seen the sea, you will never look at Earth the same again.”

We’re Seeking Proposals

• The Evidence and Evaluation team has launched a second round of requests for proposals (RFPs) following a set of successful responses from earlier this year. Letters of interest are due Friday, June 13, 2025. Register for this webinar on Thursday, May 15, at 1 p.m. ET to get an overview of what we are looking for and to ask any questions.

  
  

• The Criminal Justice team has released an RFP titled “Causal Research on Community Safety and the Criminal Justice System.” The RFP seeks research proposals across all issues related to the criminal justice system and will remain open.

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