Why Research Matters Now
For decades, gun violence prevention research has been underfunded and politically vulnerable. Yet evidence-based solutions—from Extreme Risk Protection Orders to safer firearm storage—have proven effective when they are properly funded and implemented. As FSF grantee The Trace has reported, increased funding since 2019 has made an enormous impact on the gun violence prevention field.
The Fund for a Safer Future exists to ensure this research continues, and reaches the people who can put it into action. FSF supports research that informs policy, strengthens community-based practices, and helps prevent gun violence and firearm deaths.
Funding Research That Saves Lives
Philanthropy plays a critical role in supporting research that drives evidence-informed solutions in the real world. We’re also funding research that places community experience at the center. All of which informs healthcare, legal, and prevention systems, and ultimately saves lives.
By pooling resources through FSF, funders help protect this research from disruption and accelerate what we know works.
“FSF allowed us to capture the voices of gun-violence victims themselves—so we can better prevent future violence.”
— DR. SELWYN ROGERS JR.
Dr. Rogers’ work brings lived experience into the center of gun violence prevention research, ensuring that solutions are informed by the people and communities most affected, and not just by data alone.
“With FSF support we’re implementing an Extreme Risk Protection Order Navigator program so clinicians can quickly engage with the court to temporarily remove guns when someone is at risk of violence or suicide.”
— DR. SHANNON FRATTAROLI
Dr. Frattaroli’s research shows how evidence-based policies like ERPOs can become practical tools for prevention. That is, when clinicians and systems have the guidance and resources to put them into practice.
FSF-Supported Research Portfolio
Since 2011, the Fund for a Safer Future has awarded approximately $10.8 million to support firearms research across 60 projects. Below is a summary of the research projects supported by the Fund for a Safer Future since 2022. Together, these efforts reflect FSF’s commitment to funding research that informs policy, strengthens practice, and saves lives. We share this list publicly to help spread evidence-informed solutions, spark collaboration, and ensure this work reaches the people and organizations who can put it into action. If you are a researcher studying gun violence prevention sign up here to receive updates on future funding opportunities from FSF.
Join FSF. Support Research That Works.
The research featured here is possible because funders came together to invest collectively.
We align on strategy, share risk and commit for the long haul.
At a moment when public investment is uncertain, FSF ensures that life-saving research continues.