Research Funding Opportunities

ACSA 2022 Course Development Prize

Deadline: October 20, 2021 12:00 am

Source: ACSA; Temple Hoyne Buell Center for the Study of American Architecture, Columbia University

Description: Columbia University’s Temple Hoyne Buell Center for the Study of American Architecture together with the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture is issuing a competitive call for course proposals on the theme of “Architecture, Climate Change, and Society.” Successful proposals will include methods and themes that innovate within their institutional setting—asking hard questions of students that are equal in weight to the hard questions being asked of society in the midst of a global pandemic as it continues to grapple with the intertwined causes and effects of climate change. See website for full details.

Award: Up to five proposals will be selected by the jury for eight thousand dollars in cash prizes and two thousand dollars in support to present the winning course proposals at the ACSA110 Annual Meeting. To receive the cash prize and support, winners must demonstrate viability for the course at their host institution within two years of the prize’s distribution via a letter from their program’s head administrator. Developed syllabi of winning proposals will be published on both the ACSA and Buell Center websites.

Eligibility: Open to faculty at all ACSA member schools. Faculty from Columbia University are not eligible. Courses that have been previously recognized for the Course Development Prize will not be considered. Courses submitted but not selected are encouraged to resubmit; however please make note of significant changes to the course proposal.

Deadline: Oct. 20, 2021

External Fellowship History / Theory

Clark Institute Fellowships

Deadline: October 15, 2021 12:00 am

Source: The Clark Art Institute

Description: The Clark Art Institute’s Research and Academic Program (RAP) awards funded residential fellowships to established and promising scholars with the aim of fostering a critical commitment to inquiry in the theory, history, and interpretation of art and visual culture. RAP particularly seeks to elevate constituencies, subjects, and methods that have historically been underrepresented in the discipline. In addition to the general Clark Fellowships, which are open to any topic, time period, and geographic focus, RAP offers a number of special fellowships for specific research interests that are intended to nurture a variety of disciplinary approaches and support new voices in art history. In order to work toward this, they are introducing these new fellowships:

The Kaleta A. Doolin Foundation Fellowship supports projects that radically advance feminist perspectives and equal representation in the canon of art history.
Caribbean Art and Its Diasporas Fellowship seeks to support art historians, artists, critics, and writers who are engaging with the complexity of critical Caribbean scholarship, art, and visual practices today.
Critical Race Theory and Visual Culture Fellowship aims to support scholars who are working with critical race theory to integrate and reimagine new art histories while also engaging with the structural racism that has informed and built the discipline.
Futures Fellowship supports artists, educators, scholars, writers, and art critics who are reimagining the possibilities of museums, scholarship, and public engagement. Projects that examine social justice and the arts, reimagine the canon of art history, or consider the role of performance art in exposing erased histories are particularly welcome.

Award: Fellowships are awarded on a scale related to need and earnings, up to a maximum rate of $30,000 per semester. Travel to and from the Clark will be reimbursed for the scholar and an accompanying family member. Fellows’ tax liability to the United States government will be considered in accordance with the tax regulations of the Internal Revenue Service on a case-by- case basis. Housing, a private office, and a research assistant will be provided.

Eligibility: Applicants should hold a PhD or demonstrate equivalent professional experience. They may come from the academic or museum worlds, or from other professional backgrounds, and may be residents of any country. They may be employed, full- or part-time, or be independent scholars, curators, and/or critics. The Clark does not award pre-doctoral fellowships. It is expected that all fellows be in good standing with the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) and have authorization [a J-1 Visa] from the INS that permits a fellow to engage in the activities for which he or she has been designated a Clark Fellow.

Deadline: Oct. 15, 2021

All Disciplines External Grant

Franklin Research Grants

Deadline: October 1, 2021 12:00 am

Source: American Philosophical Society

Description: Grants awarded to scholars who have recently received their doctorate in support of travel costs to libraries and archives for research purposes; the purchase of microfilm, photocopies, or equivalent research materials; costs associated with fieldwork; or laboratory research expenses. Franklin grants are made for noncommercial research and are not intended to meet the expenses of attending conferences or the costs of publication. The society does not pay overhead or indirect costs to any institution, and grant funds are not to be used to pay income tax on the award. Grants will not be made to replace salary during a leave of absence or earnings from summer teaching; pay living expenses while working at home; cover the costs of consultants or research assistants; or purchase permanent equipment such as computers, cameras, tape recorders, or laboratory apparatus.

Award: Up to $6,000

Eligibility: Applicants must have a doctorate or have published work of doctoral character and quality. Doctoral candidates are not eligible to apply. American citizens and residents of the United States may use their Franklin awards at home or abroad. Foreign nationals not affiliated with a U.S. institution must use the awards for research in the United States.

Deadline: Oct. 1, 2021

All Disciplines External Fellowship

CCA Research Fellowship Program

Deadline: September 26, 2021 9:00 pm

Source: Canadian Centre for Architecture

Description: The CCA’s Research Fellowship Program supports innovative, advanced research to foster new kinds of intellectual exchange that spark long-term dialogue and debate. The CCA is addressing a range of topics relevant to architectural discourse; current topics of particular interest include: the digital turn in processes of design and communication in architecture; the changing context of the profession and its relationship to diverse societies, from the past, to the present and looking towards the future; the role of photography within visual culture, especially in the digital era; and the relationship of architecture to the environment. They are currently focusing on the role of architecture in decolonization and welcome applications that explore this topic across historical and contemporary registers. The CCA values interdisciplinary approaches to the built environment that work from anthropology to Indigenous studies and beyond. Although proposed research projects may rely extensively on the CCA Collection as a primary source, they are interested above all in original and significant projects that develop both critical readings and creative research, media, and/or designs.

Award: 1-2 month residency at the CCA between June and August 2022; fellow will have access to a private office and receive a monthly stipend of 5000 CAD as well as additional financial support for travel expenses. In addition to a public presentation of their work-in-progress, Research Fellows are expected to participate in discussions, seminars, and workshops organized at the CCA, exchange with CCA staff, and engage with the local academic and architectural community.

Eligibility: Fellowships are open to researchers, architects, and curators who intend to pursue interdisciplinary research on architecture, urbanism, landscape, and/or design at the CCA. Scholars applying to the program should hold at least a doctoral degree. All other applicants, particularly practitioners and cultural producers must demonstrate substantial work experience and a commitment to publishing, exhibiting, and/or professional practice.

Deadline: 12 am EDT, Sept. 27, 2021

All Disciplines External Fellowship

Cullman Center Fellowship

Deadline: September 24, 2021 2:00 pm

Source: New York Public Library

Description: The Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center for Scholars and Writers is an international fellowship program open to people whose work will benefit directly from access to the collections at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building—including academics, independent scholars, and creative writers (novelists, playwrights, poets). Visual artists at work on a book project are also welcome to apply. Renowned for the extraordinary comprehensiveness of its collections, the Library is one of the world’s preeminent resources for study in anthropology, art, geography, history, languages and literature, philosophy, politics, popular culture, psychology, religion, sociology, sports, and urban studies. The Center appoints 15 Fellows a year for a nine-month term at the Library, from September through May. In addition to working on their own projects, the Fellows engage in an ongoing exchange of ideas within the Center and in public forums throughout the Library.

Award: A Cullman Center Fellow receives a stipend of up to $75,000, the use of an office with a computer, and full access to the Library’s physical and electronic resources. Fellows work at the Center for the duration of the Fellowship term, which runs from September through May. Each Fellow gives a talk over lunch on his or her current work-in-progress to the other Fellows and to a wide range of invited guests and may be asked to take part in other programs at The New York Public Library.

Eligibility: The Cullman Center’s Selection Committee awards fifteen Fellowships a year to outstanding scholars and writers—academics, independent scholars, journalists, creative writers (novelists, playwrights, poets), translators, and visual artists. Foreign nationals conversant in English are welcome to apply. Candidates for the Fellowship will need to work primarily at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building rather than at other divisions of the Library. People seeking funding for research leading directly to a degree are not eligible.

Deadline: 5 pm EST, Sept. 24, 2021

External Heritage Conservation Residency

Getty Conservation Guest Scholars Program

Deadline: November 1, 2021 5:00 pm

Source: The Getty Foundation

Description: The Conservation Guest Scholars Program provides an opportunity for professionals to pursue research on topics that bring new knowledge and fresh perspectives to the field of conservation. Guest Scholar grants are for established scholars, or individuals who have attained distinction in their fields. Recipients are in residence at the Getty Conservation Institute in Los Angeles, where they pursue their own projects free from work-related obligations, make use of research collections at the Getty Center and Villa, and participate with other Getty scholars, fellows, and interns in the intellectual life of the Getty.

Award: 3-6-month residency; three-month residency (Sept.-Dec, Jan.-March, April-June): $21,500; six-month residency (Sept.-March, Jan. – June): $43,000. Grant includes a workstation at the Conservation Institute, research assistance, airfare to and from Los Angeles, an apartment in the Getty scholar housing complex, and an available healthcare option.

Eligibility: Applications are welcome from researchers of all nationalities working in conservation, historic preservation, heritage science, and related fields. Applicants should have at least five years’ experience and should have an established record of publications and other contributions to the field. Proposals for research that contributes to a PhD or other academic degree will not be considered.

Deadline: 5 pm PT, Nov. 1, 2021

All Disciplines External Grant

Defending Basic Freedoms

Deadline: October 6, 2021 12:00 am

Source: Herb Block Foundation

Description: The Herb Block Foundation is committed to defending basic freedoms, combating all forms of discrimination and prejudice, and improving the conditions of the poor and underprivileged. To advance this mission, the foundation is inviting applications for its Defending Basic Freedoms program, which will award grants of up to $25,000 for efforts to safeguard the basic freedoms guaranteed in the U.S. Bill of Rights, eliminate all forms of prejudice and discrimination, and help government agencies be more accountable to the public.

Award: Up to $25,000 over a one-year period.

Eligibility: Applicants must be tax-exempt as defined by section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Deadline: LOIs due Oct. 6. Upon review, selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal by Nov. 17, 2021.

Architecture Building Science External Grant Landscape Architecture Urbanism

Clif Bar Family Foundation – Small Grants

Deadline: October 1, 2021 12:00 am

Source: Clif Bar Family Foundation

Description: The Clif Bar Family Foundation provides grants in support of grassroots organizations in the areas of the environment, food and agriculture, preventative approach to people’s health, and sustainable community development. Grants are awarded for general organizational support as well as funding for specific projects. Priority will be given to applicants that address two or more funding priorities at the same time (which include strengthening the nation’s food system, enhancing equitable community health outcomes, and safeguarding the environment and natural resources), demonstrate strong community ties, and operate within viable and clearly defined plans for positive change.

Award: unspecified

Eligibility: U.S.-based 501(c)3 organizations

Deadline: Oct. 1, 2021; grants reviewed three times a year, Feb. 1, June 1, Oct. 1

Architecture Building Science Design External Grant Landscape Architecture Urbanism

E2 Energy to Educate Grants

Deadline: October 1, 2021 12:00 am

Source: Constellation

Description: Program offers students from grade six through college opportunities to experience problem-solving of today’s and tomorrow’s energy challenges. Grants will be awarded in support of projects designed to enhance students’ understanding of science and technology and inspire them to think differently about energy. Projects should reach at least 100 students and align with the Constellation Energy to Educate Innovation Themes: Equity in Energy, Sustainability as a Lifestyle, and a Sustainable World. See website for more info.

Award: Up to $25,000 for grades 6-12 and up to $50,000 for colleges and universities

Eligibility: Returning awardees may reapply if all prior grant requirements are completed.

Deadline: Oct. 1, 2021

All Disciplines External Residency

Getty Scholar Grants

Deadline: October 1, 2021 5:00 pm

Source: The Getty Foundation

Description: Getty Scholar Grants are for established scholars, or individuals who have attained distinction in their fields. Recipients may be in residence at the Getty Research Institute or Getty Villa, where they pursue their own projects free from work-related obligations, make use of Getty collections, join their colleagues in a weekly meeting devoted to an annual research theme or the African American Art History Initiative, and participate in the intellectual life of the Getty. See website for more info.

Award: Getty Scholars may be in residence from three to nine months. Three-month residency (Sept.-Dec., Jan.-Apr., Apr.-June): $21,500; six-month residency (Sept.-Apr., Jan.-June): $43,000; and nine-month residency (Sept.-June): $65,000. Residential grants also include an office at the Getty Research Institute or the Getty Villa, an apartment in the Getty scholar housing complex, airfare to and from Los Angeles, and an available healthcare option.

Eligibility: Applications are welcome from researchers of all nationalities who are working in the arts, humanities, or social sciences. Applicants who received their degree after Sept. 1, 2017 should apply for a postdoctoral fellowship. Current Getty staff and members of their immediate family are not eligible for Scholar Grants. Recent recipients who have received a Getty Scholar award within the past three years may be removed from consideration.

Deadline: 5 pm PT, Oct. 1, 2021