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

Rolling until funds exhausted (resets January 1 annually)

$2,000–$5,000 per award for travel and lodging; amount tailored to project needs.

Supports research visits to the APS Library & Museum for projects advancing Indigenous community-based priorities, with guidance from CNAIR.

No academic affiliation required; international applicants welcome (no visa sponsorship).

--- ## Description The Indigenous Community Research Fund, administered by the American Philosophical Society's Library & Museum, provides financial and research support for individuals or groups seeking to explore APS collections to advance Indigenous community priorities. Awardees collaborate closely with the Center for Native American and Indigenous Research (CNAIR), receiving personalized guidance before, during, and after their research visits. Projects should focus on innovative uses of APS’s extensive manuscript, audio, and image collections—covering more than 650 Indigenous cultures, primarily from North and Central America. The program emphasizes community collaboration, relationship-building, and alignment with Indigenous values and protocols. --- ## Due Dates - Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted for the year. - Funding pool resets annually on January 1. --- ## Funding Amount - Typical awards range from $2,000 to $5,000, covering travel and lodging expenses. - Funding is tailored to the specific needs of each applicant and project. - Funds are limited and distributed based on demonstrated need and alignment with program priorities. --- ## Eligibility - Open primarily to Indigenous community members, elders, teachers, knowledge keepers, tribal officials, traditional leaders, museum and archive professionals, and independent scholars. - University-based scholars and independent researchers collaborating with Indigenous communities are also eligible, but must provide letters of support from relevant community members if requested. - No academic background or affiliation is required. - Open to applicants worldwide; U.S. citizenship or residency is not required. - Visa sponsorship is not provided. - Any Indigenous community whose cultural heritage is represented in the APS collections may apply. --- ## Application Process 1. **Explore Collections:** Review the [Indigenous Subject Guide](https://indigenousguide.amphilsoc.org/) or contact CNAIR reference archivists ([cnair@amphilsoc.org](mailto:cnair@amphilsoc.org)) to identify materials of interest. 2. **Submit Letter of Interest (LOI):** Complete and submit the [Google Form](https://forms.gle/LCdPb86nd2fWc7iDA) introducing yourself, your research goals, and the materials you wish to explore. 3. **Consultation:** CNAIR staff will review your submission and contact you to discuss your project and potential support. 4. **Award Letter:** If a visit is appropriate, CNAIR will coordinate travel details, funding, and issue an official award letter specifying visit dates, participants, and funding amount. 5. **Research Visit:** CNAIR archivists provide research support before and during the visit. - Applications are evaluated based on demonstrated need to use APS resources for advancing Indigenous community projects. - Award letters will specify the date by which funds must be used. --- ## Additional Information - Indigenous community-based researchers do not need to hold an award to access APS collections in person or online. - CNAIR digitizes materials at no cost for research requests from Indigenous communities. - Funding is limited and highly competitive; early application is encouraged. --- ## External Links - [Program Page & Application Instructions](https://www.amphilsoc.org/grants/indigenous-community-research-fellowships) - [Indigenous Subject Guide](https://indigenousguide.amphilsoc.org/) - [Center for Native American and Indigenous Research (CNAIR)](https://www.amphilsoc.org/library/CNAIR) - [Letter of Interest Form](https://forms.gle/LCdPb86nd2fWc7iDA) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | More Info | |------------------------|----------------------------------------|--------------|------------------------------------------| | CNAIR Reference Archivists | [cnair@amphilsoc.org](mailto:cnair@amphilsoc.org) | 215-440-3400 | [Contact Page](https://www.amphilsoc.org/contact) | ---

Indigenous Community Research Fund

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