The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation seeks to support the creation or expansion of research centers around the U.S. that will study the changing nature of an informed citizenry in America. These centers are intended to foster the growth of an emerging field of study that addresses pressing questions about the health of an informed society and citizenry in the context of our digital age. The Knight foundation encourages, but does not require, one proposal per institution.

https://www.knightfoundation.org/challenges/request-for-proposals-resear...

Basic questions about how our digital information environment affects the production and consumption of information and the associated effects on people and communities remain unanswered. Addressing these questions requires novel approaches that bring together researchers from diverse backgrounds (e.g., computer science, social science, philosophy) and significant and sophisticated data infrastructures. The Knight Foundation seeks proposals of significant ambition and scope; applicants are encouraged to think expansively about how new resources could enable breakthrough work and major contributions. Knight Foundation's intent is to provide substantial, multiyear awards that would support a considerable portion of the operating costs of selected centers.