First Book Grant for Research on Minoritized Christian Communities (US, Canada)

The Louisville Institute First Book Grant (FBG) for Research on Minoritized Christian Communities in North America supports early-career scholars completing their first scholarly book—or, in some cases, a second book required for tenure or promotion. The grant provides up to $55,000 (USD) to fund research leave, scholarly writing, and related research expenses for projects exploring minoritized Christian communities in the United States and Canada.

About the Louisville Institute First Book Grant

The Louisville Institute First Book Grant (FBG) is designed to help pre-tenured scholars complete significant academic research focused on minoritized Christian communities in North America.

The programme recognizes that many promising scholars encounter structural barriers that limit opportunities for sustained research and writing. By providing funding for academic release time and research support, the grant enables recipients to complete scholarly books that contribute to theological scholarship, church leadership, and public understanding of diverse Christian communities.

The programme particularly encourages research that deepens knowledge of the beliefs, practices, leadership, institutions, and lived experiences of historically underrepresented Christian communities.

Funding Information

Successful applicants may receive funding of up to $55,000 (USD).

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: Up to $55,000 (USD)
• Primary purpose: Academic release time through salary and benefit replacement
• Additional support may cover:
  • Research materials
  • Research assistants
  • Project-related travel
  • Archival research
  • Other approved research expenses
• Additional funding requests must include a detailed budget and justification.
• Approved travel and accommodation for the Winter Seminar (January 2028) are covered separately by the Louisville Institute.

Research Focus Areas

The grant supports research examining minoritized Christian communities in North America.

Eligible research areas include:

• Christian history
• Systematic theology
• Practical theology
• Biblical studies
• Ethics
• Social sciences
• Religious studies
• Christian leadership
• Worship practices
• Migration and Christianity
• Cultural diversity within Christianity
• Christian institutions
• Faith-based organisations
• Religion and social issues
• Interdisciplinary studies related to Christianity

Projects should explore how Christian communities have been shaped by factors such as:

• Social history
• Migration
• Race and ethnicity
• Cultural identity
• Community leadership
• Religious institutions
• Worship traditions
• Social and political contexts

Programme Objectives

The First Book Grant aims to:

• Support early-career scholars.
• Increase research on minoritized Christian communities.
• Advance theological scholarship.
• Promote diversity within academic research.
• Strengthen connections between scholarship and church life.
• Encourage publication of high-quality academic books.
• Remove barriers that prevent scholars from completing major research projects.

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must meet all programme requirements.

Eligible applicants include scholars who:

• Hold a terminal research degree such as a Ph.D. or Th.D.
• Are employed in full-time pre-tenure academic positions.
• Hold tenure-track, renewable contract, or continual academic appointments.
• Work at accredited higher education institutions in the United States or Canada.
• Are employed by seminaries, theological schools, colleges, or universities.
• Have experienced significant adversity that created barriers to opportunity, stability, or wellbeing.
• Can take substantial academic research leave.
• Are completing their first scholarly book.
• Are completing a second scholarly book only when required for tenure or promotion.

Who is Not Eligible?

The following applicants are not eligible:

• Doctoral or Ph.D. students
• Applicants who have not completed previous Louisville Institute grant reporting requirements
• Applicants submitting more than one Louisville Institute grant or fellowship application between June 1, 2026, and May 31, 2027
• Certain Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary faculty, staff, Board of Trustees members, students, Advisory Board members, and their immediate family members

Eligible Activities

Grant funding may support:

• Academic research leave
• Sabbaticals
• Scholarly writing
• Archival research
• Field research
• Library research
• Research materials
• Research assistants
• Travel for research
• Data collection
• Manuscript preparation
• Publication preparation

The primary purpose of the grant is to provide sufficient time for scholars to complete a major scholarly book.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit:

• Statement describing significant adversity
• Project summary
• Detailed project narrative
• Bibliography
• Budget
• Budget justification
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume
• Two recommendation letters
• Letter confirming academic release time

Applications should clearly demonstrate the project’s scholarly significance, feasibility, and expected contribution.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Verify that you meet all academic, employment, and programme eligibility requirements.

Step 2: Prepare Your Research Proposal

Develop a proposal describing:

• Research topic
• Research objectives
• Importance of the study
• Research methodology
• Expected scholarly contribution
• Publication plans

Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documents

Gather all required materials, including recommendation letters, institutional release documentation, budget information, and supporting statements.

Step 4: Develop a Detailed Budget

If requesting research expenses beyond academic leave, explain:

• Research materials
• Travel costs
• Research assistance
• Other project expenses

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Complete the application with all required documentation before the programme deadline.

Application Review Process

Applications are reviewed by the Louisville Institute Selection Committee.

Evaluation considers:

• Scholarly quality
• Originality
• Research significance
• Feasibility
• Contribution to understanding minoritized Christianity
• Potential impact on scholarship and church communities
• Readiness of the manuscript

Preference is generally given to projects already underway, including manuscripts that are under contract or under active consideration by academic publishers.

Award Information

For the 2027 funding cycle:

• Three First Book Grants will be awarded.
• Award announcements are expected in April 2027.
• Successful recipients must attend the Winter Seminar in January 2028.

Why This Grant Matters

Minoritized Christian communities have played an essential role in shaping the religious, cultural, and social history of North America.

This programme helps scholars:

• Produce original academic research.
• Increase representation within theological scholarship.
• Strengthen understanding of diverse Christian traditions.
• Connect academic research with church communities.
• Advance knowledge that informs ministry, education, and public dialogue.

The First Book Grant also helps remove barriers faced by early-career scholars by providing protected research time and financial support.

Tips for Applicants

To prepare a competitive application:

• Present a clearly defined research question.
• Demonstrate the importance of the proposed book.
• Explain the project’s contribution to scholarship.
• Show that the manuscript is well developed.
• Provide a realistic research timeline.
• Submit a detailed and justified budget.
• Obtain strong recommendation letters.
• Clearly explain how the grant will accelerate completion of the book.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid the following errors:

• Submitting incomplete application materials.
• Providing vague research objectives.
• Preparing unrealistic budgets.
• Failing to explain scholarly significance.
• Requesting unsupported research expenses.
• Missing required institutional documentation.
• Applying without meeting eligibility requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Louisville Institute First Book Grant?

It is a competitive research grant supporting early-career scholars completing their first scholarly book on minoritized Christian communities in North America.

How much funding is available?

Applicants may receive up to $55,000 (USD).

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants are pre-tenured faculty members at accredited higher education institutions in the United States or Canada who hold a terminal research degree and meet all programme requirements.

What research topics are supported?

The grant supports research on minoritized Christian communities, including theology, biblical studies, ethics, history, worship, leadership, migration, social sciences, and interdisciplinary studies.

Can doctoral students apply?

No. Doctoral students are not eligible for this programme.

How many grants will be awarded?

The Louisville Institute plans to award three First Book Grants during the 2027 funding cycle.

What factors are considered during evaluation?

Applications are assessed based on scholarly merit, originality, feasibility, contribution to the study of minoritized Christianity, and readiness of the proposed manuscript.

Conclusion

The Louisville Institute First Book Grant for Research on Minoritized Christian Communities in North America provides an outstanding opportunity for early-career scholars to complete significant scholarly books that expand understanding of diverse Christian traditions and institutions. With funding of up to $55,000 (USD), dedicated research leave, and professional development opportunities, the programme supports high-quality scholarship while strengthening theological research and the study of Christianity across North America.