[American Council of Learned Societies](https://www.acls.org)

January 27, 2026 (Full application submission deadline)

Up to $300,000 over four years per institution for salary, benefits, research, and search costs; institutional match required.

Supports colleges and universities worldwide to establish or expand permanent, tenure-track (or equivalent) faculty positions in Buddhist Studies.

--- ## Description This grant program provides multi-year funding to accredited colleges and universities globally to establish or significantly strengthen permanent faculty positions in Buddhist Studies. The intent is to seed new tenure-track (or equivalent) posts at institutions that currently have no Buddhist Studies curriculum or no more than one permanent faculty member dedicated to the field. Grant funds may be used for salary, benefits, research expenses, and costs related to a competitive search. Institutions must commit to maintaining the position as a permanent post beyond the grant period and provide a matching contribution over the four-year funding cycle. --- ## Due Dates - January 27, 2026: Full application submission deadline (applications must be in SUBMITTED status by 9:00 PM Eastern Standard Time) --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: Up to $300,000 per institution, to be expended over four years. - Funding covers: Salary, benefits, research expenses, and, if needed, costs related to a competitive search for the new hire. - Institutional cost share: Institutions must provide a multi-year plan to match at least one-third of the foundation’s funding over the grant period. The matching ratio can vary by year. - Funds cannot be used for university overhead, indirect/administrative costs, or office expenses. --- ## Eligibility - Accredited institutions of higher education worldwide are eligible. - Institutions must either: - Have no Buddhist Studies curriculum, or - Have no more than one permanent faculty member dedicated to Buddhist Studies. - Both institutions with and without tenure-track systems may apply. For non-tenure-track systems, a substantial long-term commitment to the position is required. - The application must be submitted in English. - There are no restrictions based on institutional location or language(s) of instruction. - The grant cannot supplement existing endowments or teaching positions. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted via the [ACLS Online Fellowship and Grant Administration (OFA) System](https://ofa.acls.org/). - Required components: - Completed application form. - Letter from institutional leadership (president, provost, dean, etc.) committing to maintain the position long-term. - Statement explaining the need for the position, its context, responsibilities, and selection process. - Detailed budget using specified categories (salary, benefits, research, search costs). - Multi-year matching plan. - All documents must adhere to strict formatting and page limits (see program page for details). - The application must be in SUBMITTED status by the deadline; late or incomplete applications will not be considered. --- ## Additional Information - This is a global competition—institutions worldwide are encouraged to apply. - The grant is intended for the creation of new, permanent positions, not to supplement or backfill existing roles unless a strong case is made. - The new hire must teach Buddhist Studies courses (not general Asian religion), though complementary teaching in related areas is allowed. - Previous awardees and sample application materials are available on the program website. --- ## External Links - [Program Overview & Application Instructions](https://www.acls.org/competitions/the-robert-h-n-ho-family-foundation-new-professorships-in-buddhist-studies/) - [Sample Application (PDF)](https://www.acls.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2025-26-Sample-Application-for-New-Professorships-in-Buddhist-Studies.pdf) - [Sample Budget/Matching Schedule (PDF)](https://www.acls.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/New-Professorships-Matching-Schedule-Example.pdf) - [FAQ](https://www.acls.org/faqs/faq-the-robert-h-n-ho-family-foundation-program-in-buddhist-studies/) - [Recent Awardees](https://www.acls.org/recent-awardees/the-robert-h-n-ho-family-foundation-new-professorships-in-buddhist-studies/) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |------------------|-----------------------------------------| | General inquiries| [BuddhistStudies@acls.org](mailto:BuddhistStudies@acls.org) | | Technical help | [ofahelp@acls.org](mailto:ofahelp@acls.org) | | Phone | 212-697-1505 | | Funder address | 633 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017-6706 | ---

The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation New Professorships in Buddhist Studies

Sign in to see full grant listing