Submit Applications for Dissertation Fieldwork Grant Program

The Dissertation Fieldwork Grant provides funding to PhD and DrPH candidates conducting approved dissertation research. Each recipient receives a $10,000 grant, with opportunities to earn additional Special Awards of up to $5,000 for exceptional research proposals.

About the Dissertation Fieldwork Grant

The Dissertation Fieldwork Grant supports doctoral candidates who are actively conducting dissertation research by providing financial assistance for approved fieldwork projects.

The program helps researchers complete high-quality dissertation research and recognizes outstanding proposals through additional merit-based awards.

Program Objectives

The grant aims to:

Support approved dissertation fieldwork projects.
Assist PhD and DrPH candidates in completing dissertation research.
Encourage innovative research methods and theoretical approaches.
Recognize outstanding doctoral research through special merit awards.
Promote high-quality academic research across disciplines.

Funding Available

Each selected applicant receives:

Total grant: $10,000
- $7,500 awarded at the beginning of the project.
- $2,500 awarded upon successful completion of the project.

Special Awards

All applicants are automatically considered for additional awards.

Trustees’ Award

Additional funding: $3,000
Awarded to the project demonstrating the most innovative theory and/or methodology.

Irving Louis Horowitz Award

Additional funding: $5,000
Awarded to the most outstanding overall dissertation project.

Both awards are presented at the discretion of the Foundation’s Trustees based on the quality and merit of submitted proposals.

Eligible Applicants

Applicants must:

Be a PhD or DrPH candidate.
Be actively working on their dissertation.
Have an approved dissertation topic before applying.
Have received approval from their dissertation committee for the proposed research.
Complete their doctoral degree after the application deadline.
Not have already received their PhD.

International Eligibility

The grant is open to applicants worldwide.

U.S. citizenship is not required.
U.S. residency is not required.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

A complete online application through the designated application portal.
All required supporting documents.
Recommendation forms completed by the appropriate referees.
All application materials in English.

Application Conditions

Applications will not be considered if they are:

Incomplete.
Missing required supporting documents.
Submitted with incomplete recommendation forms.
Submitted in a language other than English.

Selection Process

Applications are evaluated based on the quality and merit of the proposed dissertation research.

The Foundation also reviews all eligible applications for the Trustees’ Award and the Irving Louis Horowitz Award, recognizing exceptional innovation and overall research excellence.

Award recipients will be announced in June.

Program Benefits

The Dissertation Fieldwork Grant helps doctoral researchers:

Conduct high-quality dissertation fieldwork.
Offset research-related expenses.
Strengthen the quality of dissertation research.
Gain recognition for innovative research approaches.
Compete for additional merit-based funding.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can improve their chances by:

Clearly explaining the significance of their dissertation research.
Demonstrating a strong and feasible research methodology.
Highlighting the originality and innovation of the proposed project.
Providing a well-structured research plan.
Ensuring all recommendation forms are submitted on time.
Reviewing the application carefully to avoid incomplete submissions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Dissertation Fieldwork Grant?

PhD and DrPH candidates who have an approved dissertation topic, are actively conducting dissertation research, and have not yet received their doctoral degree are eligible to apply.

How much funding is available?

Each successful applicant receives $10,000, with $7,500 paid initially and $2,500 provided after project completion.

Are there additional awards?

Yes. All applicants are automatically considered for:

Trustees’ Award: Additional $3,000.
Irving Louis Horowitz Award: Additional $5,000.

Is U.S. citizenship required?

No. Applicants do not need to be U.S. citizens or U.S. residents.

What language must the application be submitted in?

All application forms and supporting documents must be submitted in English.

When are award recipients announced?

Successful applicants are typically announced in June.

Conclusion

The Dissertation Fieldwork Grant provides valuable financial support for PhD and DrPH candidates conducting dissertation research. With a $10,000 grant, additional merit-based awards, and eligibility open to applicants worldwide, the program helps emerging researchers complete impactful dissertation fieldwork while recognizing excellence in research design, innovation, and academic achievement.