Deadline: 31-Dec-2026
The Aurora Research Grants program, launched by the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, supports in-depth research on grassroots humanitarians working in conflict-affected and crisis settings worldwide. Participants document frontline humanitarian action, contribute directly to the Aurora Prize selection process, and help amplify the visibility of unsung local responders. The program combines structured online research, a completion-based stipend, and potential engagement with the global Aurora humanitarian community.
Aurora Research Grants Program
The Aurora Research Grants Program is a global humanitarian research initiative designed to identify, document, and elevate the work of grassroots humanitarians responding to violent conflict, mass atrocities, and humanitarian crises.
Managed by the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, the program focuses on evidence-based research, ethical documentation, and clear English-language profiles that support recognition through the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity.
What Is the Aurora Research Grants Program?
The Aurora Research Grants program enables selected participants to conduct structured online research over a fixed 35-day period.
Participants investigate and document the work of local humanitarians operating in crisis-affected environments, producing detailed humanitarian profiles that feed directly into the Aurora Prize evaluation process.
The program is fully research-based and remote, allowing global participation regardless of geographic location.
Core Objectives of the Program
The program is designed to meet multiple humanitarian, research, and awareness-building goals.
Key Objectives
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Spotlight unsung grassroots humanitarians working under extreme risk
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Raise global awareness of urgent humanitarian crises and atrocity contexts
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Support individuals responding to violent conflict and mass displacement
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Document frontline humanitarian action with accuracy and responsibility
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Contribute verified research to the Aurora Prize selection process
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Strengthen visibility and future support for local humanitarian initiatives
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Promote ethical, evidence-based humanitarian research practices
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Build a global community committed to recognizing humanitarian courage
How the Aurora Research Grants Program Works
The program follows a clearly defined research structure designed for consistency, credibility, and impact.
Program Timeline
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Total duration: 35 days
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Format: Fully online research
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Output: Completed humanitarian research profiles
Participant Responsibilities
Participants are expected to:
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Conduct in-depth online research using diverse and credible sources
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Verify facts and contextual information responsibly
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Organize findings clearly and logically
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Produce well-written English-language humanitarian profiles
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Adhere to ethical research and documentation standards
Funding and Benefits
Stipend Support
Participants receive a stipend upon successful completion of the program, recognizing the value and rigor of their research contribution.
Aurora Prize Ceremony Invitation
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If a participant’s nominated candidate advances to become an Aurora Prize Finalist, the participant is invited to attend the Aurora Prize Ceremony
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Finalists are considered for the $1 million Aurora Prize
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Participation increases global visibility for grassroots humanitarian initiatives
Who Is Eligible?
The program is open to individuals from diverse professional and academic backgrounds.
Eligible Applicants Include
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Researchers and analysts
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Students and early-career professionals
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Journalists and writers
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Humanitarian practitioners
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Academics and independent scholars
Required Skills and Competencies
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Strong online research and fact-checking skills
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Ability to synthesize complex information
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Clear and accurate written English
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Commitment to ethical and responsible research
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Interest in humanitarian action and global crises
Institutional and Academic Partnerships
The Aurora Research Grants program actively welcomes partnerships with:
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Universities
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Research institutions
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Humanitarian organizations
The initiative has already been implemented in collaboration with academic institutions across multiple regions, reinforcing its global reach and interdisciplinary approach.
These partnerships strengthen academic engagement with real-world humanitarian action and expand research-based advocacy for local responders.
Why the Aurora Research Grants Program Matters
The program addresses a critical gap in humanitarian recognition.
Many local responders operate without visibility, funding, or international support despite facing extreme risk. By documenting their work, the program:
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Preserves frontline humanitarian narratives
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Supports evidence-based humanitarian recognition
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Informs global decision-makers and donors
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Strengthens accountability and ethical storytelling
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Reinforces the Aurora mission to honor those who risk their lives to save others
How to Apply or Participate
While application procedures may vary by cycle, the general participation process includes the following steps.
Step-by-Step Participation Flow
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Monitor Aurora Humanitarian Initiative announcements for open calls
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Submit an application demonstrating research capacity and motivation
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Receive selection confirmation and research guidelines
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Complete the 35-day structured research assignment
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Submit finalized humanitarian profiles for review
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Receive stipend upon successful completion
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Engage with the Aurora community if shortlisted candidates advance
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Participants should be mindful of the following issues.
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Using unverified or unreliable sources
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Making unsupported claims or assumptions
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Failing to contextualize conflict or crisis environments
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Using unclear or overly complex language
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Ignoring ethical considerations when documenting humanitarian work
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Missing deadlines or submission requirements
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main purpose of the Aurora Research Grants program?
The program exists to document and amplify the work of grassroots humanitarians and support the Aurora Prize selection process through credible research.
Is the program fully remote?
Yes. All research is conducted online, allowing participation from anywhere in the world.
How long does the program last?
The research period lasts 35 days.
Do participants receive financial support?
Yes. A stipend is awarded upon successful completion of the program.
Can students apply for the program?
Yes. Students with strong research and writing skills are eligible to apply.
What happens if my nominated candidate becomes a finalist?
Participants are invited to attend the Aurora Prize Ceremony and engage with the broader Aurora community.
Is prior humanitarian field experience required?
No. The program focuses on research capacity, not field deployment.
Conclusion
The Aurora Research Grants Program is a high-impact humanitarian research initiative that combines ethical documentation, global awareness, and meaningful recognition of grassroots humanitarians.
For more information, visit Aurora Humanitarian Initiative.
