[American Philosophical Society](https://www.amphilsoc.org)

Rolling (until funds are exhausted) | Funding resets January 1 annually

$2,000–$5,000 per award, typically for travel and lodging expenses

Supports Indigenous researchers and communities to access and utilize APS collections in ways that advance community-driven research priorities.

No academic credentials or institutional affiliation required; open to global applicants, but no visa sponsorship.

--- ## Description The Indigenous Community Research Fund at the American Philosophical Society (APS) Library & Museum provides funding for Indigenous individuals or groups to visit APS in Philadelphia to access archival collections relevant to their community-based priorities. The program is administered in partnership with the Center for Native American and Indigenous Research (CNAIR), which offers extensive consultation and support before, during, and after the research visit. The fund emphasizes flexibility, relationship-building, and respect for Indigenous values and protocols, aiming to foster ongoing collaboration between APS and Indigenous researchers. --- ## Due Dates - Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted each year. - Funding refreshes annually on January 1. --- ## Funding Amount - Typical awards range from $2,000 to $5,000. - Funding covers travel and lodging expenses for research visits to APS. - The amount is tailored to the specific needs of the applicant or group. --- ## Eligibility - Designed primarily for Indigenous community members, elders, teachers, knowledge keepers, tribal officials, traditional leaders, museum/archive professionals, and independent scholars. - Applicants do **not** need academic credentials or institutional affiliation. - University-based and independent researchers collaborating with Indigenous communities are eligible (may need letters of support). - Open to applicants worldwide, regardless of citizenship or residency (no visa sponsorship provided). - Any Indigenous community whose heritage is represented in the APS collections is encouraged to apply. --- ## Application Process 1. **Explore Collections:** Review the [Indigenous Subject Guide](https://indigenousguide.amphilsoc.org/) or contact CNAIR archivists ([cnair@amphilsoc.org](mailto:cnair@amphilsoc.org)) to identify relevant materials. 2. **Letter of Interest:** Submit a Letter of Interest via the [Google Form](https://forms.gle/qrEfnQr52z6vG5UX8), introducing yourself, your research interests, and materials you wish to examine. 3. **Consultation:** CNAIR staff will review your submission and discuss your research goals. If a visit is appropriate, they will coordinate logistics and funding details with you. 4. **Award Letter:** If selected, you will receive an official Award Letter specifying visit dates, travelers, and funding amount. - Applications are evaluated based on the demonstrated need to use APS resources for the project. - Award Letters specify the deadline by which funds must be used. --- ## Additional Information - Indigenous community-based researchers do not need an award to access APS collections in person or online. - CNAIR provides digitization of materials at no cost for Indigenous communities. - No requirement to use third parties to access collections. - Funding is limited and offered until annual resources are depleted. --- ## External Links - [Program Page & Application Instructions](https://www.amphilsoc.org/grants/indigenous-community-research-fund) - [Indigenous Subject Guide](https://indigenousguide.amphilsoc.org/) - [Center for Native American & Indigenous Research (CNAIR)](https://www.amphilsoc.org/library/CNAIR) - [Google Form for Letter of Interest](https://forms.gle/qrEfnQr52z6vG5UX8) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |------------------------|-----------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [cnair@amphilsoc.org](mailto:cnair@amphilsoc.org) | | Phone | 215-440-3400 | | Funder Home Page | [https://www.amphilsoc.org](https://www.amphilsoc.org) | | CNAIR Info | [CNAIR at APS](https://www.amphilsoc.org/library/CNAIR) | ---

Indigenous Community Research Fund

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