Explore frequently asked questions for insights on eligibility and the application process for Howard Foundation fellowships.
The deadline is November 1.
Recommenders must submit their letters by November 15.
Two letters are required. As part of the application process you must provide the names and email addresses of the two individuals who will be writing your letters, and Survey Monkey Apply will automatically contact them.
Yes, you must submit your application by the November 1 deadline even if the letters of recommendation have not yet been submitted by that date.
No, you can submit an application in only one field.
There is a section on the application where you can explain your situation and offer reasons why you still consider yourself early mid-career and are applying even though you may not strictly meet the Foundation’s definition.
Yes, click on the HELP link on the upper right side of the application page.
Your letters should be written by colleagues and mentors who are familiar with your work. If you send them a copy of your proposed project then they can include comments on your proposal as well.
The fellowship has no provision for a residency, other than that stated as one of the requirements of the fellowship, i.e., that the applicant must be living and working in the United States.
The fellowships are awarded in April. Funds become available July 1st of that year and may be taken anytime within four years of that day.
You may include a bibliography and it will not count in the three page project description.
You have up to four years to take the fellowship.
Individuals in the announced field will read the applications.
The project needs to be a new undertaking for you.
Yes, you are required as part of the application process to upload a writing sample of no more than 20 published pages OR work represented in no more than 7 minutes of recordings or video with descriptive information. This may be a single recording or multiple recordings. Visual artists will supply up to 15 images of previously published or exhibited work. The type of sample will depend on the field in which you are applying.
You may supply URLs for additional material on the application form, but you are not required to do so.
The fellowship stipend can be paid to the individual or to the institution. That is your choice. The funds are often used to supplement a sabbatical leave.
Yes, three double-spaced pages. We estimate that this should be 800-900 words, but there is not a specific limit on the number of words.
The amount of the fellowships awarded 7/1/25 will be $40,000.
Howard Foundation Fellowships are unrestricted awards for the sole purpose of aiding the intellectual and artistic development of the recipients. The Howard Foundation has no funds to pay indirect costs, so any decision about payment of benefits on the stipend would be a matter for you to resolve with the appropriate officials at your institution.