Discover Funding Opportunities

The American Institute for Maghrib Studies (AIMS) Grant Program offers research grants to U.S. scholars to conduct research on North African topics in Algeria, Mauritania, Morocco, or Tunisia. The program provides both short-term grants (1-3 months, up to $6,500) and long-term grants (more than 3 months, up to $15,500), with funding covering airfare and research expenses. AIMS Overseas Research Centers in Oran, Tunis, and Tangier facilitate grants and provide support to scholars. AIMS funds only primary research conducted in the Maghrib region. Graduate students enrolled in M.A. or Ph.D. programs, independent scholars, and faculty in all disciplines are eligible to apply. Applicants must be current AIMS members and U.S. citizens. Recipients of AIMS awards in either of the two previous funding cycles are ineligible to apply. All grantees are required to present their research at one of the AIMS Overseas Research Centers or affiliated centers (CEMA in Oran, Algeria; CEMAT in Tunis, Tunisia; TALIM in Tangier, Morocco; or Dar Si-Hmad in Morocco) and submit a written report within one month of completing fieldwork. The program expects full-time research effort and does not support language classes or teaching during the research period. Note: The program is currently on pause for 2026.

The American Postdoctoral Research Leave Fellowship increases the number of women in research, development, and academic leadership, and promotes gender equity in higher education by providing funding to women in academia to pursue independent research over the course of a year. The American Postdoctoral Research Leave Fellowship supports early-career postdoctoral scholars – within four years of receiving their Ph.D. – including both new applicants and AAUW alumnae. The fellowship is open to applicants in all fields of study, though those engaged in science, technology, engineering, and math fields, or those researching gender issues, are especially encouraged to apply. Established in 1888, AAUW American Fellowships are the oldest non-institutional source of graduate and postdoctoral funding for women in the United States. The fellowship carries a stipend of $50,000 payable to fellows only and disbursed in two equal payments at the beginning and the midpoint of the fellowship term. Fellows are required to devote 100% of their working time and intellectual effort to their research during the fellowship year. Fellowship awards may be used for research expenses and publication fees, as well as housing, food, and other living expenses including childcare. Selection is based on scholarly excellence, originality of research design, feasibility of research plans, teaching experience, and demonstrated commitment to helping women and girls through service in their communities, professions, or fields of research. Preference is given to applicants pursuing postdoctoral studies in STEM fields or researching gender issues, as well as those who have demonstrated resilience in overcoming life challenges, first-generation bachelor's degree recipients, and those from single parent households.

With support from the Law and Society Association, the American Bar Foundation hosts the ABF/LSA Doctoral Fellowship in Law and Inequality. This fellowship in residence at the ABF supports original empirical and interdisciplinary research on the study of law and inequality. The fellowship is designed for outstanding students who are Ph.D. candidates and who have completed all doctoral requirements except the dissertation. Doctoral research must address significant issues in the field and show promise of a major contribution to social scientific understanding of legal or higher education. Students from underrepresented minority groups are especially encouraged to apply. This is a residential fellowship based at the American Bar Foundation in Chicago, Illinois.

The Dr. Richard M. Hunt Fellowship for the Study of German Politics, Society, and Culture, established in 2003, offers a unique opportunity for emerging American scholars to dive deep into the heart of contemporary German society. This prestigious fellowship empowers the next generation of academics to contribute vital insights to the study of Germany's political, cultural, and social history. Hunt Fellows embark on transformative journeys, conducting archival research, engaging with local experts, and collaborating with transatlantic peers to gain a richer, more nuanced understanding of Germany's evolving landscape. The fellowships are named in honor of Dr. Richard M. Hunt, renowned Harvard University historian, who dedicated much of his career to mentoring the next generation of scholars. This fellowship is designed to enrich the academic journey of early-career professionals, providing not only invaluable international experience but also a powerful platform to propel their careers forward. Fellows conduct research toward their Ph.D. dissertations or book projects. Fellows receive a generous $7,000 stipend, covering transatlantic airfare, domestic travel, and room and board for a minimum of 21 days. To maximize this incredible opportunity, fellows will collaborate closely with the ACG to finalize a comprehensive research itinerary before the stipend is disbursed. Fellows have one academic year to complete their travel. Upon returning, fellows will submit an insightful analytical report of their findings, with the potential for publication by the ACG. They will also be able to share their discoveries with wider audiences through presentations at ACG Warburg Chapters, local community discussions, and engaging social media content.

The Belgian American Educational Foundation (BAEF) offers research fellowships for American doctoral and post-doctoral researchers to conduct research in Belgium for a period of 12 months. The fellowship provides stipends of $30,000 for doctoral researchers and $34,000 for post-doctoral researchers, along with health insurance coverage. Fellows must be in residence in Belgium during the tenure of their fellowship, with a minimum fellowship period of 6 months. The program is designed to foster friendship through higher education exchange between Belgium and the United States. BAEF research fellowships can be initiated between July 1, 2026 and December 31, 2026. Post-doctoral applicants must have obtained their Ph.D. no more than 2 years prior to July 1, 2026, while doctoral applicants must be registered in a Ph.D. or equivalent degree program in the United States. The fellowship is non-renewable and aims to support outstanding researchers conducting academic research in Belgium.

The Newcombe Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship supports doctoral candidates in their final year of writing, who are working in areas of religion, ethics, values, or morals. Now in its fifth decade, the Newcombe Fellowship has become a nationally recognized award that distinguishes recipients within their fields. Fellows receive a $31,000 stipend to complete the writing stage of their dissertation. The Newcombe Fellowships have supported over 1400 graduate students who have written dissertations which respond to and participate in deep and meaningful conversations within religion, values, and ethics. The conversation may be from the ancient past, with modern relevance; it may be a unique perspective on a well-known topic; it may revolve around culture, art, societies, or tradition. Those awarded a Newcombe Fellowship are often at the forefront of creative and original scholarship, proposing new insights and ground-breaking work in the questions and conversations surrounding religion, ethics, and values. The purpose of the Charlotte W. Newcombe Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship is to offset living expenses while the dissertation is completed. Fellows must use the award for the final year of writing the dissertation. Fellows' graduate schools will be asked to waive tuition and fees while maintaining health insurance for Newcombe Fellows.

UC San Diego's Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies (USMEX) at the School of Global Policy and Strategy (GPS) hosts the largest residential fellowship program in the U.S. for research on Mexico and U.S.-Mexico relations. Each year, the program brings together top scholars from the social sciences, humanities, and related fields to form a multidisciplinary cohort of researchers. The fellowship is designed for Ph.D. candidates who are ABD (All But Dissertation) and have completed a substantial portion of their dissertations, as well as professors on sabbatical. Fellows receive a cost-of-living allowance not exceeding 22,500 USD, depending on the approved length of stay and the residential period, which may range from two to nine months. Priority is given to proposals that are scientifically and/or policy-relevant, present a feasible plan of action, and contribute toward a better understanding of Mexico and/or U.S.-Mexico relations. Applications from Mexican scholars are strongly encouraged.

The James R. Scobie Award provides up to $1,500 annually for exploratory research trips abroad to determine the feasibility of Ph.D. dissertation topics in Latin American history. The award is specifically designed to permit short exploratory research trips abroad, normally lasting four to twelve weeks. Up to five travel grants are awarded each year by a committee appointed by the CLAH president and confirmed by the CLAH General Committee. The funds are strictly designated for international travel expenses and must be used during the summer following the award, unless prior approval is granted from the Award Committee and the Executive Director of the Conference on Latin American History. The award cannot be combined with research grants for extended stays, though it may be combined with other funds as long as they are not for international travel. Recipients must be CLAH members and demonstrate language competence in Spanish or Portuguese.

The Greenberg Center for Jewish Studies at the University of Chicago offers annual graduate research and travel grants for Ph.D. students conducting projects in Jewish Studies. These grants support dissertation research travel, materials, and program-related foreign language study in accredited programs. Priority is given to dissertation research travel and materials, followed by foreign language study. Students may combine these awards with funding from other sources, and those receiving FLAS grants can apply for additional funding to cover travel and housing costs. Grant funds must be used by December 12, 2026, and awardees are required to submit a one-page report detailing the use of funds, research progress, and impact by January 8, 2027.

The Religious Research Association announces its annual competition for the Constant H. Jacquet Research Award to support research in religion. Research projects must use social scientific methods and perspectives to study aspects of religion, and all proposals must discuss how the research is applicable for religious organizations, leaders, and/or practitioners. The RRA welcomes applied, client-centered projects as well as social scientific research on any aspect of religion, with preference given to applied projects. Proposals from students, especially Ph.D. candidates, and scholars who are in the early stages of their careers are particularly encouraged, with the aim to fund at least one student project per year. Funding may be used for research expenses, but not for supplemental income or capital equipment. The Religious Research Association does not pay indirect research expenses to universities or other sponsoring organizations. Awards become available July 1, and recipients should plan to expend the grant within one year after accepting the award.

The Founders' Dissertation Fellowship recognizes graduate students who show promise of significant contributions to historical scholarship. This award is offered by the Western Association of Women Historians (WAWH) to support doctoral candidates who are actively writing their dissertations. Award funds may be used for purposes directly or indirectly related to the dissertation, such as for expenses related to research, attendance at scholarly conferences, or that incurred in the preparation of the dissertation. Applicants must have been advanced to candidacy and be engaged in scholarship that is historical in nature, though the degree may be in related fields. Recipients are expected to complete their Ph.D. no earlier than December of the calendar year in which the award is made. The fellowship provides $1,000 to support dissertation research and related scholarly activities.

The MMUF Dissertation Grants provide doctoral candidates at the critical juncture of completing their graduate degrees with support to spend a year finishing the writing of the dissertation. These grants are open only to alumni of the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship (MMUF). Dissertation Grants are part of the MMUF Advancement Program, whose Fellows gather to prepare graduate school applications, receive funding for additional research, and professional support throughout their dissertation research. The grant provides doctoral candidates with the financial stability, focus, and professional validation needed to complete their dissertations and take the final steps toward earning their Ph.D. By offering up to a year of dedicated support, the grant reduces financial pressures, creates space for uninterrupted writing, and affirms the scholar's place in a community committed to advancing diverse perspectives within the academy. This pivotal support allows Fellows to concentrate fully on completing their research and preparing for the next stage of their academic careers. The program has awarded 431 grants through the MMUF Advancement Program and 90% of scholars have earned their doctorate.