[New America Foundation](https://www.newamerica.org/fellows)

February 2, 2026 (Full application) | February 5, 2026 (Reference letters)

Stipends typically range from $15,000–$30,000; fellowship duration is one year.

Supports original, impactful projects by individuals shaping public conversations on urgent issues.

--- ## Description The New America Fellows Program is designed to support innovative thinkers—including journalists, scholars, filmmakers, and policy analysts—whose work advances bold, original ideas that can influence public discourse and address pressing societal challenges. Fellows receive funding, community support, and access to platforms and partners, enabling them to make significant progress on ambitious projects such as books, articles, documentaries, or other accessible formats. The program values projects that break from traditional think-tank models and seeks applicants who bring fresh perspectives to complex issues. --- ## Due Dates - February 2, 2026: Full application deadline (11:59 p.m. EST) - February 5, 2026: Reference letters deadline (11:59 p.m. EST) --- ## Funding Amount - Stipends generally range from $15,000 to $30,000 for the fellowship year. - The specific amount awarded may vary by applicant and annual funding availability. - Fellows are not required to submit budgets or stipend requests in their proposals. --- ## Eligibility - Open to individuals, including investigative journalists, scholars, filmmakers, public policy analysts, and others working in nontraditional formats. - There are no explicit citizenship or residency restrictions mentioned. - Both emerging and established thinkers are encouraged to apply. - Projects must be original, ambitious, and aimed at influencing public conversations or policy. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted online by the stated deadline. - Two reference letters are required; requests must be sent through the application portal before the application deadline. - Applicants should include a statement of interest and work samples (with a cover page for written samples). - The selection process involves three phases: initial review (February–April), finalist interviews (late April), and final selection (early July). Fellows begin in September. - Incomplete applications (including missing reference letters) will not be considered. --- ## Additional Information - The program is highly selective; the applicant pool is narrowed to 40–50 finalists for interviews. - Fellows join a cohort and participate in gatherings throughout the year. - The program does not require a specific project template; both policy-focused and broader societal projects are welcome. - For more details, applicants are encouraged to review the [FAQ page](https://www.newamerica.org/fellows/about/frequently-asked-questions/) and explore the [Fellows Archive](https://fellowsarchive.newamerica.org/media/) for examples of past projects. --- ## External Links - [Program How to Apply](https://www.newamerica.org/fellows/about/how-to-apply/) - [FAQ](https://www.newamerica.org/fellows/about/frequently-asked-questions/) - [Current Class of Fellows](https://www.newamerica.org/fellows/current-roster/) - [Fellows Archive](https://fellowsarchive.newamerica.org/media/) - [Application Portal](https://newamerica.smapply.org/prog/classof2027/) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------| | General inquiries | [Contact form](https://www.newamerica.org/contact/) | | Reference letter help | [FellowsProgram@newamerica.org](mailto:FellowsProgram@newamerica.org) | | Phone | 202-986-2700 |

New America Fellows Program - New America Foundation

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