Deadline: 13 September 2019
First Nations Development Institute (First Nations), in partnership with The Henry Luce Foundation (Luce), has launched the Luce Indigenous Knowledge Fellowship.
First Nations will award 10 fellowships of $50,000 each to 10 outstanding Native Americans engaged in meaningful work that benefits Indigenous people and communities in either reservation and/or urban settings. These fellowships are intended to support the work of Native knowledge holders and knowledge makers as they significantly advance their work and spark transformative change in their communities.
The fellowship is a 12-month, self-directed enrichment program designed to support the growth, development, knowledge and networks of Native leaders. This unique and exciting new fellowship will seek to support individuals from diverse fields and engaged in different modes of expression. The fellowship is open to both emerging and experienced leaders from a wide variety of fields, including but not limited to agriculture, food systems, youth leadership development, natural resource management, climate change, economic development, journalism, language and cultural revitalization, traditional and contemporary arts and more.
During the fellowship period, fellows will gather together three times during the year to pool their collective knowledge, and create a community of practice that crosses fields, geographies and tribal cultures. These three required convenings will give fellows the opportunity to engage in rich conversations intended to strengthen their leadership skills, reflect on their impact, share their learning and experiences and promote enduring professional relationships. These cohorts will empower fellows to overcome any geographic and cultural isolation they may experience by being a Native knowledge holder or knowledge maker, possibly as the only one in their field.
Award Information
- This fellowship will provide awards in the amount of $50,000 each to 10 individuals. This fellowship is flexible in that it allows emerging and experienced knowledge holders and knowledge makers to determine their own goals, and decide how their funds are best used to make a positive impact in their communities.
- Fellows do not have to design or complete a project to be eligible or selected. The goal of this new fellowship is to provide flexible funding to selected fellows as they seek to create or disseminate knowledge in their respective field.
- The fellowship may be used for a wide range of costs, including living expenses, tuition, conference registration, equipment, travel and childcare. The fellowship cannot be redirected to another person or organization. It does not cover health insurance.
Important Note: The $50,000 fellowship is considered taxable income. Fellowship recipients will be responsible for all related taxes resulting from this award.
Fellowship Period
- First Nations provides a $50,000 award that may be used flexibly over 12 months. The start date of the fellowship is January 1, 2020, and the end date is December 31, 2020.
- After 12 months, fellows will be eligible to apply for a supplemental grant of $25,000 to extend their work for another year and help mentor the next cohort of fellows.
Eligibility Criteria
- The fellowship is open to emerging and experienced Native knowledge holders and knowledge makers actively engaged in meaningful, positive work that benefits Indigenous people and communities in either reservation and/or urban settings.
- To be eligible for the Luce Indigenous Knowledge Fellowship:
- Applicants must be a member of a federal- or state-recognized Native American or Alaska Native tribe or community, Native Hawaiian, or demonstrate significant and long-standing engagement with and commitment to an Indigenous community in the U.S.
- Applicants must be engaged in the development, perpetuation and/or dissemination of knowledge in their field.
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
- Individuals may apply directly for this fellowship OR individuals may nominate Native knowledge holders and knowledge makers for this fellowship.
How to Apply
All candidates must submit a completed fellowship application using First Nations’ ONLINE system.
For more information, please visit https://www.firstnations.org/rfps/likf-1/