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

January 2026 (Full application, forecasted)

$50,000 stipend for 9 months, plus $20,000 for health insurance, $5,000 travel/research, and $750 relocation

A nine-month APS fellowship supporting research by scholars engaged with Indigenous communities, emphasizing collaboration, intellectual development, and archival work.

--- ## Description The Mellon Foundation Native American Scholars Initiative (NASI) Postdoctoral Fellowship provides a nine-month residential opportunity at the American Philosophical Society (APS) in Philadelphia. The fellowship is designed to support scholars—particularly those with sustained engagement with Indigenous communities—whose research projects foster collaboration between archives, scholars, and Indigenous communities. Fellows are affiliated with the Center for Native American and Indigenous Research (CNAIR) and participate in seminars, workshops, mentoring, and conferences, with an emphasis on projects utilizing APS Library & Museum collections and other Philadelphia-area resources. --- ## Due Dates - **Anticipated deadline:** January 2026 (based on the annual January 17 cycle) - Applications are typically due in mid-January each year. *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - $50,000 stipend for nine months (residential) - $20,000 to offset health insurance costs - $5,000 for travel, fieldwork, or outside research - $750 for relocation expenses - Desk space at APS and access to professional development opportunities --- ## Eligibility - Open to recent doctoral graduates, professors at any level (including those seeking sabbatical support), or independent postdoctoral scholars. - Applicants must have a terminal graduate degree by the start of the fellowship. - Scholars in any field and period are eligible, but preference is given to those with sustained engagement or experience with Indigenous communities. - Faculty from tribal colleges/universities and Indigenous community members are especially encouraged to apply. - Open to non-U.S. citizens and residents, but APS does not provide visa sponsorship. --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted via [Interfolio](https://apply.interfolio.com/154936) (check for updated links on the APS website). - Required materials: - Curriculum Vitae (C.V.) - Sample chapter or project proposal (max 25 double-spaced pages) - Introductory cover letter (max 2 pages) - Project proposal (approx. 1,000 words) describing the project, its significance, and APS collections to be used - Statement (max 1 page) on experience working with or as part of Indigenous communities - Two letters of recommendation (one must be from the Indigenous community if the project is community-based) - Review the [official fellowship page](https://www.amphilsoc.org/grants/mellon-foundation-native-american-scholars-initiative-nasi-postdoctoral-fellowship) for detailed instructions and updates. --- ## Additional Information - Fellows are expected to be in residence at APS in Philadelphia for the fellowship period. - Participation in APS intellectual life, including seminars, workshops, and mentoring, is a core component. - Projects must demonstrate a clear need to use APS Library & Museum and/or other Philadelphia-area collections. - The caliber and significance of the project, as well as engagement with Indigenous communities, are key evaluation criteria. --- ## External Links - [Fellowship Details & Application](https://www.amphilsoc.org/grants/mellon-foundation-native-american-scholars-initiative-nasi-postdoctoral-fellowship) - [Center for Native American & Indigenous Research (CNAIR)](https://www.amphilsoc.org/library/CNAIR) - [Native American Scholars Initiative Overview](https://www.amphilsoc.org/native-american-scholars-initiative) - [APS Fellowships Overview](https://www.amphilsoc.org/grants/fellowships) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.amphilsoc.org/cnair-faq) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Contact | |---------------|--------------------------------| | Phone | 215-440-3400 | | General Info | [APS Contact Page](https://www.amphilsoc.org/contact) | | CNAIR Email | cnair@amphilsoc.org | ---

Mellon Foundation Native American Scholars Initiative (NASI) Postdoctoral Fellowship

Sign in to see full grant listing