Supported by the American Sociological Association through a matching grant from the National Science Foundation, the goal of this project is to nurture the development of scientific knowledge by funding small, groundbreaking research initiatives and other important scientific research activities such as conferences. FAD awards provide scholars with small grants ($7,000 maximum) for innovative research that has the potential for challenging the discipline, stimulating new lines of research, and creating new networks of scientific collaboration. The award is intended to provide opportunities for substantive and methodological breakthroughs, broaden the dissemination of scientific knowledge, and provide leverage for acquisition of additional research funds.

The Fund for the Advancement of the Discipline (FAD) Advisory Panel is composed of six at-large members of the ASA Council.  In addition, every other Vice President serves for his or her year as Vice President as well as their year as Past Vice President.   Two people rotate on and off the committee each year.  The Advisory Panels reviews all proposals for funding submitted to the FAD Program and selects the recipients of FAD Funding.