From Despair to Hope
From Despair to Hope supports theologians and philosophers in interdisciplinary research on hope to address hopelessness, foster spiritual flourishing, and build spiritual capital in communities.
Funder: Center of Theological Inquiry
Due Dates: December 15, 2026 (Spring virtual phase) | March 15, 2027 (Fall virtual phase) | Rolling (Applications for any program year)
Funding Amounts: $40,000 institutional research award per fellow, plus travel expenses and a residential living allowance; 12-month fellowship
Summary: Supports theologians and philosophers developing interdisciplinary theologies of hope to address hopelessness and build spiritual capital.
Key Information: Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent in Christian theology or philosophy and a full-time faculty position at an accredited higher education institution.
Description
The Center of Theological Inquiry (CTI) in Princeton runs this fellowship program to explore how theology can make a difference in situations of hopelessness. The initiative seeks new interdisciplinary approaches to hope that help people develop meaningful lives, pursue spiritual flourishing, and build spiritual capital within communities and public life. It welcomes research across branches of theology and philosophy concerned with hope, hopelessness, and despair.
The broader inquiry runs from July 2025 through June 2028, supported by the John Templeton Foundation. Fellows join thematic peer groups for 12 months of virtual study, residential research, and public engagement. Research spans technology and AI, democracy and politics, medicine and health, youth and education, and economics and entrepreneurship. Each thematic area brings together five fellows from around the globe.
