[Henry Luce Foundation](https://www.hluce.org)

May 7, 2024 (Stage 1) | July 29, 2024 (Stage 2)

$75,000 per fellow (10 awarded) | 2-year flexible, self-directed enrichment program

Fellowship funding to support Indigenous knowledge holders and makers in advancing knowledge creation, dissemination, and leadership benefiting Native communities in the U.S.

For individuals only; must be tribally affiliated and benefit U.S. Indigenous communities.

--- ## Description The Luce Indigenous Knowledge Fellowship, supported by the Henry Luce Foundation and administered by First Nations Development Institute, provides significant, flexible funding to outstanding Native knowledge holders and makers. The fellowship aims to support individuals who are advancing Indigenous knowledge systems, creativity, and leadership, with the goal of fostering transformative impacts for Native communities across the United States. Fellows engage in a two-year, self-directed enrichment program that includes cohort convenings and opportunities for professional growth. --- ## Due Dates - **Stage 1 Application Deadline:** May 7, 2024, 5:00 pm MT - **Stage 2 Application Deadline:** July 29, 2024, 5:00 pm MT Applicants are notified of advancement and final selection according to the timeline in the RFP, with the fellowship period running from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2026. --- ## Funding Amount - **Award:** $75,000 per fellow (10 fellowships awarded annually) - **Duration:** 2 years (January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2026) - **Funding Use:** Highly flexible—may cover living expenses, tuition, travel, childcare, equipment, professional development, and more. Funds are considered taxable income. --- ## Eligibility Applicants must meet all the following criteria: - Be tribally affiliated with a Native American, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian community. - Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (including Canadian First Nations individuals recognized under the Jay Treaty). - Be at least 18 years old. - Apply as an individual (not on behalf of an organization or group); may self-apply or be nominated. - Actively engaged in the creation, dissemination, or perpetuation of knowledge that benefits Indigenous people and communities in the U.S. or U.S. Territories. - Demonstrate experience or expertise in their knowledge field. - Able to clearly articulate the impact of their work for Indigenous communities. Eligible fields are broad, including but not limited to: cultural leadership, language preservation, arts, science, health, journalism, education, environmental stewardship, business, and more. --- ## Application Process 1. **Stage 1:** Submit an online application form by the deadline, including short essays on community impact and vision for the fellowship, plus a résumé/CV. Nominations require a signed consent form from the nominee. 2. **Stage 2:** Selected applicants (approx. 100) are invited to submit a more detailed application, including three letters of reference, a high-quality photo, and optional supporting materials. 3. **Interviews:** 25 semifinalists are invited for an in-person interview (travel covered). 4. **Selection:** 10 fellows are chosen by a selection committee comprising Native leaders and experts. 5. **Program Participation:** Fellows attend three required convenings during the fellowship and submit annual reports. Applicants with limited internet access may request alternative submission methods at least two weeks before the deadline. --- ## Additional Information - No specific project is required; the fellowship is designed to support ongoing or new work as defined by the fellow. - The fellowship is open to both emerging and experienced leaders from diverse fields. - Students are eligible if they meet the other criteria. - The $75,000 award is taxable; recipients are responsible for any tax obligations. - The program is highly competitive, with clear selection criteria emphasizing knowledge, experience, potential, and vision. --- ## External Links - [Henry Luce Foundation Indigenous Knowledge Program](https://hluce.org/programs/indigenous-knowledge/grant-categories/) - [First Nations Development Institute – Fellowship Program](https://www.firstnations.org/projects/native-intellectual-leadership-fellowship-program/) - [2025 Luce Indigenous Knowledge Fellows](https://hluce.org/programs/indigenous-knowledge/grant-categories/luce-indigenous-knowledge-fellowship/) - [2027 Fellowship Application Portal](https://www.firstnations.org/rfps/luce-indigenous-knowledge-fellowship/) - [2025 Fellowship RFP (PDF)](https://e1.nmcdn.io/assets/fndi/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Luce-Fellowship-2025-RFP.pdf) - [2026 Fellowship FAQ (PDF)](https://e1.nmcdn.io/assets/fndi/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Luce-Fellowship-2026-FAQ-Sheet.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact Email | Phone | |---------------------------------|--------------------------------------|--------------------| | General Inquiries (First Nations) | [info@firstnations.org](mailto:info@firstnations.org) | 303-774-7836 | | Application/Technical Support | [grantmaking@firstnations.org](mailto:grantmaking@firstnations.org) | 303-774-7836 | | Fellowship Program (Direct) | [aromero@firstnations.org](mailto:aromero@firstnations.org) | 303-867-8014 | | Henry Luce Foundation | [info@hluce.org](mailto:info@hluce.org) | 212-489-7700 |

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