[Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts](https://www.grahamfoundation.org)

November 15, 2026 (Carter Manny Award application deadline)

Up to $20,000 (Research Award) or up to $25,000 (Writing Award); one-year award period.

Supports outstanding doctoral dissertations on architecture by providing funding at the research or writing stage for PhD candidates in the US and Canada.

--- ## Description The Carter Manny Award, established by the Graham Foundation, is a prestigious annual program that supports the completion of exceptional doctoral dissertations focused on architecture and its role in the arts, culture, and society. The award is intended for emerging scholars whose dissertation research advances architectural scholarship and has the potential to shape contemporary discourse in the field. Each year, two awards are made: one for a PhD candidate at the research stage and one for a candidate at the writing stage of their dissertation. Eligible projects may be grounded in architecture, architectural history, art and art history, design, engineering, landscape architecture, urbanism, or related disciplines, provided they align with the Foundation's mission. --- ## Due Dates - November 15, 2026: Carter Manny Award — Application deadline (full application due) --- ## Funding Amount - Research Award: Up to $20,000 (for research-related expenses such as travel, documentation, materials, and supplies) - Writing Award: Up to $25,000 (primarily for supporting uninterrupted writing in the final dissertation stage; some funds may be used to conclude research) - One-year award period, typically aligned with the academic year --- ## Eligibility - Open to PhD candidates officially enrolled in schools in the United States and Canada, regardless of citizenship. - Applicants must have completed all required coursework and exams, and have had their dissertation proposal formally approved by their academic department. - Candidates must be nominated by their academic department (each department may nominate up to two candidates per cycle: one for the Research Award and one for the Writing Award). - Previous recipients of a Carter Manny Research or Writing Award are not eligible for another Carter Manny Award, but unsuccessful applicants may be renominated in future cycles. --- ## Application Process 1. **Nomination:** Candidate must be nominated by their academic department, which provides a formal nomination letter confirming eligibility. 2. **Application Submission:** Applications are submitted online via the Graham Foundation Carter Manny Award GrantsConnect portal. 3. **Required Materials:** - Nomination letter from the department - Applicant information and CV - Dissertation title, one-sentence summary, and abstract - Work plan for research or writing - Dissertation proposal (750–1,000 words) - Bibliographic essay (500 words) - Writing sample (20 pages; Writing Award applicants must submit a dissertation excerpt) - Table of contents - Visuals - Graham Foundation grant history (if applicable) - Two letters of reference (one from the thesis advisor, one from a field expert ideally outside the applicant’s institution) 4. **Review:** Applications are reviewed by a panel of scholars; award decisions are typically announced in June, with the award period beginning in September. --- ## Additional Information - The award is highly competitive and recognizes originality, potential impact, feasibility, and applicant capacity. - Citations of Special Recognition may be awarded in some years for outstanding projects. - The award honors Carter H. Manny’s distinguished service to the Graham Foundation. --- ## External Links - [Graham Foundation Carter Manny Award Program Page](https://www.grahamfoundation.org/grant_programs/?mode=individual) - [Application Portal (GrantsConnect)](https://bbgm-apply.yourcausegrants.com/apply/programs/a8565482-eac7-49c1-89b9-7b8b8156ab47) - [Carter Manny Award Recipients](https://www.grahamfoundation.org/grant_programs/?mode=individual#) - [Graham Foundation Grantmaking Guidelines](https://www.grahamfoundation.org/grant_programs/) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact Details | |------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | info@grahamfoundation.org
Phone: 312.787.4071 | | Mailing Address | 4 West Burton Place, Chicago, IL 60610, USA | | Grant Program Queries | grantprograms@grahamfoundation.org | ---

Carter Manny Award

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