APPLYING TO THE PROGRAM. The primary focus of the Fellowship is to complete a focused, rigorous independent research project on some aspect of the civil society, philanthropic, or voluntary sector in the US, and to author a paper describing the results. In addition, Fellows are asked to conduct a seminar on some aspect of his or her country’s civil society sector, or on the results of the Fellowship project itself. Fellows are mentored by the senior member of the Center staff whose area of expertise is best suited to provide useful guidance during the research and writing process, and are further encouraged to take full advantage of the staff, resources, seminars, and educational opportunities available at the Center. Applicants may apply to participate in the program for one semester (four months) or a full academic year (nine months) following the Johns Hopkins academic calendar.
Past successful research projects have ranged widely, from human resources management in nonprofit organizations to public-private partnerships to the relationship between nonprofits and labor. The primary criteria by which the committee assesses a research proposal are applicability to the program (i.e., is it focused on one of our areas of interest, and is there a compelling reason to conduct the research in the U.S.?) and viability within the timeframe and resources of the fellowship (i.e., is the research plan highly focused, and can it be accomplished in 4-9 months?).
For more information about research topics or program eligibility, please contact Program Coordinator Mimi Bilzor.
Applicants are responsible for seeking their own source of funding. Cost of participation in the program, including living expenses (apartment rental, food, transportation, health insurance) and program fees is estimated to be approximately $18,000 for a single semester (which includes a program fee of $8,000 and estimated living expenses), and $35,000 (program fee of $16,000) for a full academic year.
Who should apply? Candidates of any nationality are welcome, with the exception that U.S. citizens are excluded from eligibility. If you are an American researcher who would like to explore the opportunity to spend some time at the Center, please see the Visiting Scholars page.
Successful candidates to the Fellows program will:
- Possess a high degree of interest, experience, and competence in research related to the voluntary, nongovernmental, nonprofit, or philanthropic sector.
- Have a demonstrated track record of conducting independent inquiry and research.
- At minimum, have a university diploma equivalent to the American Bachelor of Arts or Science degree.
- Have a high degree of English fluency.
How do I apply? All applicants for the International Fellows in Philanthropy Program should complete the application form. The section of the application covering the proposed research project is of particular importance. Because space on the form is limited, we request that applicants also submit a full research proposal as a separate document (preferably Word format).
Applicants should submit all supporting documentation requested, including two letters of recommendation from nonprofit leaders and/or scholars and a resume or curriculum vitae at the same time that they send their application and research proposal. All applications should be submitted by email to Chelsea Newhouse; scans of supporting documents such as diplomas and letters of recommendation, are acceptable, and preferred.
Because applicants are responsible for seeking their own source of funding, it is best to determine what those sources will be before applying to the program. As noted above, cost of participation in the program, including living expenses (apartment rental, food, transportation, health insurance) and program fees is estimated to be approximately $18,000 for a single semester, and $35,000 for a full academic year. Applicants will be asked to provide information regarding the availability of funding prior to final acceptance.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and applicants are welcome to apply up to a year in advance of their intended start date. However, please note that, in order for the University to have sufficient time to issue visa documents, February 15 is the deadline to submit applications for a Fall start date (a single semester from September-December, or a full academic year from September-May); and September 15 is the deadline for the spring semester (late January-May, single semester only).
Email your completed application and supporting materials to Chelsea Newhouse.
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