[Acton Institute for the Study of Religion and Liberty](https://www.acton.org)

March 2026 (Full application postmark deadline)

$15,000 award plus travel expenses for Calihan Lecture presentation; single-year, one-time award.

Recognizes early-career scholars for outstanding research on the intersection of religion, economic freedom, and a free, virtuous society.

--- ## Description The award honors new, outstanding scholarly research exploring the relationship between religion, economic freedom, and a free and virtuous society. It is named for theologian Michael Novak and is designed to support early-career scholars whose work advances understanding of how religious and philosophical principles contribute to human dignity, the rule of law, limited government, religious liberty, and economic freedom. The recipient will present their research as the Calihan Lecture at a public forum. --- ## Due Dates - **Anticipated application deadline:** March 2026 (postmark deadline for full application) - All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the [program page](https://www.acton.org/novak-award) for updates. --- ## Funding Amount - The award provides a one-time grant of $15,000. - Travel expenses for the recipient to and from the Calihan Lecture are covered in addition to the monetary award. --- ## Eligibility - Open to current doctoral candidates or those who have received their doctorate within the past five years. - Applicants should have studied theology, religion, philosophy, history, law, politics, economics, or related fields. - Strong academic performance is required. - Applicants must demonstrate a clear interest in the relationship between religion, economic liberty, and a free and virtuous society. - Open to all qualified persons regardless of race, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, citizenship, religious affiliation, or disability. --- ## Application Process A complete application must include: - A signed [application form (PDF)](https://blog.acton.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Novak-Application.pdf) (completed in English). - Curriculum vitae. - A 500-word essay describing intellectual development, future plans, career goals, and interest in the award’s themes. - A scholarly work (research paper, refereed article, book, monograph, or conference paper) relevant to religion and economic liberty. - Two letters of recommendation from professors or established scholars. - All materials must be mailed and postmarked by the anticipated March 2026 deadline. **Mail applications to:** Acton Institute Grants and Awards 98 Fulton Street E. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 USA --- ## Additional Information - The recipient is expected to present their research at the Calihan Lecture. - Any resulting publications must acknowledge the Novak Award and the Acton Institute. - The Acton Institute may publicize the award and identify the recipient. - Recipients are responsible for any applicable taxes. --- ## External Links - [Acton Institute Novak Award Program Page](https://www.acton.org/novak-award) - [Application Form (PDF)](https://blog.acton.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Novak-Application.pdf) - [Academic Grants and Awards Overview](https://www.acton.org/grants-awards) - [List of Past Novak Award Winners](https://www.acton.org/novak-award#past-winners) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Type | Details | |-------------------|------------------------------------------------------| | Program Page | [https://www.acton.org/novak-award](https://www.acton.org/novak-award) | | Email | [info@acton.org](mailto:info@acton.org) | | Phone | (616) 454-3080 | | Mailing Address | Acton Institute, Grants and Awards, 98 Fulton Street E., Grand Rapids, MI 49503 USA | | Contact Form | [https://www.acton.org/contact](https://www.acton.org/contact) |

Novak Award - Acton Institute

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