External Funding Opportunities | Department of Anthropology

External Funding (A-Z) | Canadian Citizen Funding| Regional Research Funding | Department Funding

External Funding: Overview

External funding refers to scholarships, grants, and awards offered by organizations outside of the University of Washington. The funding listed below is both general and Anthropology specific.

Internal funding is funding that stems from the Department of Anthropology or the University of Washington. We encourage students to pursue external funding opportunities to support their academic journey. For more information about internal funding opportunities please visit Department Funding.

Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards

The Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards (OMSFA) helps University of Washington undergraduates and alumni develop the skills and personal insights necessary to pursue scholarships appropriate to their goals. They provide information, resources, and advising to students seeking scholarships and support during the application process.

Funding Search Engines

External Funding Opportunities (A-Z)

American Association of University Women (AAUW) - Since 1888, AAUW has been one of the largest funders of women’s graduate education, investing in women who go on to change the world, the AAUW offers a variety of fellowships. Opportunities include: Dissertation and Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (American Fellowship), Career Development Grants, Community Action Grants, International Fellowships, International Project Grants, and Selected Professions Fellowships.

American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) - The American Council of Learned Societies supports the creation and circulation of knowledge that advances understanding of humanity and human endeavors in the past, present, and future, with a view toward improving human experience.

American Philosophical Society - The American Philosophical Society, the oldest learned society in the United States, was founded in 1743 by Benjamin Franklin for the purpose of “promoting useful knowledge.” In the 21st century they sustain this mission by offering opportunities for interdisciplinary, intellectual fellowship and grants. Opportunities include: Research Grants, Dissertation Fellowships, Field Research Funds, etc.

American Research Center in Sofia Foundation (Bulgaria) - ARCS, a non-profit foundation, registered in Bulgaria in 2005, which facilitates academic interaction, research, and activities in the humanities and social sciences in Bulgaria and neighboring Balkan countries.

American Society of Primatologists (ASP) - Grant proposals are invited for either captive or wild primate-oriented research projects. Only ASP members may apply for grants. Grant mechanisms available to ASP members, including students, include the Small Research Grant, Conservation Small Grant, and the Melinda Novak Primate Welfare Grant. Applicants may only apply for one type of grant each cycle.

The Beinecke Scholarship - The program seeks to encourage and enable highly motivated students to pursue opportunities available to them and to be courageous in the selection of a graduate course of student in the arts, humanities and social sciences. Scholars receive funds immediately prior to entering graduate school and additional, substantial funds while attending graduate school.

Boren Fellowships - Boren Fellows from diverse fields of study immerse themselves in the cultures in world regions underrepresented in study abroad, including Africa, Asia, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Boren Fellows study a wide range of critical languages, including Arabic, Chinese, Portuguese, and Swahili. Boren Awards are available to students of all proficiency levels who are committed to enhancing their skills.

Canadian Embassy: Canadian Studies Graduate Student Fellowships - Fellowships offer graduate students an opportunity to conduct part of their doctoral research in Canada. The fellowships will support research in the social and human sciences, journalism, business, trade, environment, and law with a view to contributing to a better knowledge and understanding of Canada and its relationship with the U.S. and/or other countries of the world. Information for opportunities for international students in Canada.

Center for Engaged Scholarship: Dissertation Fellowship - The Center for Engaged Scholarship is an organization, created by and for social scientists, who want the United States to be a more democratic, more egalitarian, and more environmentally sustainable society. Accepting applications from Ph.D. students in the social sciences and humanities who have already completed all departmental and institutional requirements for the Ph.D. degree, including approval of the dissertation proposal. The only requirement not completed must be the writing and where required, the defense of the dissertation.

Charlotte W. Newcombe Doctoral Dissertation Fellowships - Newcombe fellowships are awarded annually to students enrolled in doctoral programs in the humanities and social sciences at graduate schools in the U.S. The Newcombe Fellowships have supported over 1400 graduate students who have written dissertations which respond to and participate in deep and meaningful conversations within religion, values, and ethics. The conversation may be from the ancient past, with modern relevance; it may be a unique perspective on a well-known topic; it may revolve around culture, art, societies, or identity. This Fellowship supports doctoral candidates in their final year of writing, who are working in areas of religion, ethics, values, or morals.

The Classical Association of the Middle West & South - Annually awards three scholarships for participation in summer excavation or field school at an archaeological site in the Greco-Roman world. These awards may support individuals engaged in any stage of the work, including physical excavation, illustration, digital recording, faunal and ceramic analysis. Generally, one award will be made to at least one graduate student and another to an undergraduate, but teachers at all levels of instruction are also eligible for this award.

Critical Language Scholarships for Intensive Summer Institutes - US Department of State/CAORC: The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is an immersive summer opportunity for American college and university students to learn languages essential to America's engagement with the world.

Edward H. & Rosamond B. Spicer Foundation - The mission of the Edward H. and Rosamond B. Spicer Foundation is to honor and further the legacy and life works of Edward H. and Rosamond Spicer in the fields of anthropology, community development and social justice.

The Etruscan Foundation: Fieldwork Fellowships - The Fieldwork Fellowship is designed to support participation in field schools or archaeological fieldwork at Etruscan and indigenous sites of non-Greek Italy from the Neolithic through the 1st Century BCE.

Explorers Club Grants - The Explorers Club is proud to support the scientific fieldwork of groundbreaking explorers around the globe. The Explorers Club has been supporting scientific expeditions of all disciplines, and uniting our members in the bonds of good fellowship for over a century. Multiple grant opportunities available.

Gilman International Scholarship - The U.S. Department of State's Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program supports students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, providing them with skill critical to our national security and economic prosperity. To be eligible for the Gilman Program, applicants must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the term of their study abroad program or internship.

Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships Program: U.S. Department of Education - The Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowships program provides allocations of academic year and summer fellowships to institutions of higher education or consortia of institutions of higher education to assist meritorious undergraduate students and graduate students undergoing training in modern foreign languages and related area or international studies.

Fulbright U.S. Student Program - The Fulbright U.S. Student Program expands perspectives through academic and professional advancement and cross-cultural dialogue. Fulbright creates connections in a complex and changing world. In partnership with more than 140 countries worldwide, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers unparalleled opportunities in all academic disciplines to passionate and accomplished graduating college seniors, graduate students, and young professionals from all backgrounds. Program participants pursue graduate study, conduct research, or teach English abroad. Multiple fellowship and award opportunities available

Graham Foundation Carter Manny Award  - To support research or writing for a dissertation directed towards architecture, landscape architecture, urbanism, interior design, architectural technologies, architectural research, architectural history and theory, and urban design.

The Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation - Through its research activities, The Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation supports work in the social and natural sciences and aligned disciplines to increase understanding of the causes, manifestations, and control of violence in the contemporary world. Opportunities include: The Harry Frank Guggenheim Distinguished Scholars Award, Harry Frank Guggenheim Distinguished Scholars Emerging Scholars Award, and the Harry Frank Guggenheim African Fellows Award.

The Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies - For Harvard and non-Harvard recent PhD recipients and doctoral candidates in the social sciences. The Academy Scholars Program of The Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies identifies and supports outstanding scholars at the start of their academic careers whose work combines excellence in a social science discipline with a command of the language and knowledge or expertise of countries or regions outside of the United States or Canada. Their scholarship should span traditional disciplinary divisions and elucidate comparative, transnational, or domestic issues, past or present.

Hispanic Scholarship Fund - The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) empowers students and parents with the knowledge and resources to successfully complete a higher education, while providing support services and scholarships to as many exceptional students, Scholars, and Alumni as possible.

Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship - Open to undergraduate sophomores or third year students studying in the NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration) mission fields. Scholars receive funding each academic year to support their studies, as well as paid summer internship opportunities at NOAA facilities across the US.

The Horowitz Foundation for Social Policy - The Foundation makes targeted grants for work in all major areas of the social sciences, including anthropology, area studies, economics, political science, psychology, sociology, and urban studies, as well as newer areas such as evaluation research. Preference is given to projects that address contemporary issues in the social sciences and issues of policy relevance.

International Dissertation Research Fellowship (IDRF) - The International Dissertation Research Fellowship (IDRF) program supports the next generation of scholars in the humanities and humanistic social sciences pursuing research that advances knowledge about US Indigenous or non-US cultures and societies. Offered through Social Science Research Council International.

The Institute of International Education - In 1919, the founders of the Institute of International Education believed that international education could build a more secure and equitable world. Today, we touch the lives of more than 29,000 people in 180 countries each year through the programs that we administer, helping to educate the next generation of leaders and serving as a lifeline to the world’s most imperiled students, scholars, and artists. Multiple scholarships and fellowships available.

John Carter Brown Library Research Fellowships & Grants - The JCB awards over forty fellowships annually to scholars engaged in research on the early Americas. As part of our commitment to access and equity, the JCB awards both residential and remote fellowship support.

The Leakey Foundation - The Leakey Foundation was formed to foster research into human origins. The Foundation exclusively funds research related specifically to human origins, including paleoanthropology, genetics, primate behavior, and studies of modern hunter-gatherer groups. Other areas of study are generally not funded. Opportunities include: Research Grant, Baldwin Fellowship, Francis H. Brown African Scholarship, Field School Fellowships, & the Primate Research Fund.

Mellon Foundation - Through grants, Mellon seeks to build just communities enriched by meaning and empowered by critical thinking, where ideas and imagination can thrive.

Mortar Board Alumni/Tolo Foundation Scholarships - The program annually recognizes UW sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students based on distinguished achievement in scholarship, leadership and service to the campus and community. Membership in Mortar Board is not required for scholarship selection. An awarded scholarship can be used only for tuition, fees, books, supplies and equipment required for instruction.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine - Provides independent, objective advice to inform policy with evidence, spark progress and innovation, and confront challenging issues for the benefit of society. Multiple fellowship and grant opportunities available.

National Institute of Health (NIH) - The NIH provides financial support in the form of grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts. This assistance supports the advancement of the NIH mission of enhancing health, extending healthy life, and reducing the burdens of illness and disability. While NIH awards many grants specifically for research, we also provide grant opportunities that support research-related activities, including fellowship and training, career development, scientific conferences, resource and construction. Multiple grant opportunities available.

National Institute of Health (NIH): Undergraduate Scholarships - Scholarship program for undergraduate students committed to careers in biomedical, behavioral, and social science research.

National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (GRFP) - The purpose of the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) is to help ensure the quality, vitality, and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce of the United States. The program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students who are pursuing full-time research-based master's and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) or in STEM education.

NSF 23-531: Archaeology Program - Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grants (Arch-DDRIG) - The Archaeology Program supports anthropologically relevant archaeological research. This means that the value of the proposed research can be justified within an anthropological context. The program sets no priorities by either geographic region or time period. It also has no priorities in regard to theoretical orientation or question and it is the responsibility of the investigator to explain convincingly why the focus of their research is significant and has the potential to contribute to anthropological knowledge.

NSF Biological Anthropology Program: Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grants (BA-DDRIG) - Supports doctoral research including field, laboratory and computational research on human and nonhuman primate adaptation, variation and evolution to advance knowledge about human origins and the dynamics between biology and culture.

NSF 23-502: Cultural Anthropology Program - Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grants (CA-DDRIG) - The primary objective of the Cultural Anthropology Program is to support basic scientific research on the causes, consequences and complexities of human social and cultural variability. Contemporary cultural anthropology is an arena in which diverse research traditions and methodologies are valid in investigations of human cultural variation.

Newberry Fellowships - Newberry fellowships give researchers the time, space, and community required to pursue innovative and ground-breaking projects. Fellows advance scholarship in various fields, develop new interpretations, and expand our understanding of the past. The Newberry’s long-standing fellowship program provides outstanding scholars with the time, space, and community required to pursue innovative and ground-breaking scholarship. Fellows have access to the Newberry’s wide-ranging and rare archival materials as well as to a lively, interdisciplinary community of researchers, curators, and librarians either on a short-term or a long-term basis.

Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans - For centuries, the contributions of immigrants, asylum seekers, and refugees have made our nation stronger. Since 1998, we have awarded 805 Fellows from 103 countries more than $80 million to pursue the graduate degrees of their choosing across a breadth of areas from screenwriting to medicine; from physics to painting; from law to neuroscience and from opera to mechanical engineering.

POINT Foundation: The LGBTQ Scholarship Fund - The Point Flagship Scholarship empowers LGBTQ students to access and succeed in their education at accredited four-year institutions in the United States. Flagship scholarship recipients receive financial support, access to multiple leadership development programs, mentorship or coaching, and the support of a community of scholars and alumni. Opportunities include: Flagship Scholarship & BIPOC Scholarship

Puget Sound Association of Phi Beta Kappa Scholarships - Offers three undergraduate scholarships to University of Washington students, as well as a scholarship for first-generation college students. Phi Beta Kappa membership is not required for some scholarships.

Sea Grant Washington - The WSG mission is to help people and marine life thrive by supplying research, technical expertise and educational activities that support the responsible use and conservation of ocean and coastal ecosystems. Multiple fellowship opportunities available.

Sigma Xi - The Sigma Xi Grants-in-Aid of Research (GIAR) program provides valuable educational experiences. By encouraging close working relationships between students and faculty, the program promotes scientific excellence and achievement through hands-on learning. Offers grants in Aid of Research Application and Resources.

Smithsonian Research Fellowships  - Fellowships are available for dissertation research done in-residence at the Smithsonian in association with the research staff and using the Institution's resources. Smithsonian fellowships are offered to individuals who design and develop proposals to conduct independent research. Multiple opportunities available.

Social Science Research Council International - In collaboration with partners, the Social Science Research Council, administers fellowships and research grants that support the innovation and evaluation of new policy solutions, convene researchers and stakeholders to share evidence-based policy solutions and incubate new research agendas, produce online knowledge platforms and technical reports that catalog research-based policy solutions, and support mentoring programs that broaden problem-solving research opportunities. Multiple research grants and fellowships available.

Society for American Archaeology (SAA) - SAA empowers its members to understand humanity’s past through ethically-based scientific and humanistic investigation, to promote preservation of archaeological resources and cultural heritage through support of legislation and education, to create collaboration between the profession and descendant communities, and to assist professional growth. Multiple scholarships and grants available to SAA student members.

Society for Applied Anthropology - At the heart of the Society for Applied Anthropology lies a deep-seated commitment to interdisciplinary research, the advancement of anthropological practice, and the enhancement of public policy and professional development. The Society for Applied Anthropology proudly sponsors prestigious awards including the Malinowski Award, the Peter K. New Award, and the Sol Tax Award; as well as co-sponsoring the Margaret Mead Award with the American Anthropological Association. In addition, the Society offers 10 student travel awards and two poster prizes to help offset the costs of attending the Annual Meeting.

Voyager Scholarship - The Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service supports students who have a passion for helping others, experience serving their communities, and can demonstrate an expansive view of what's possible through public service.

Wenner-Gren Foundation - The Wenner-Gren Foundation is committed to playing a leadership role in anthropology. We help anthropologists advance anthropological knowledge, build sustainable careers, and amplify the impact of anthropology within the wider world. Opportunities include: Dissertation Fieldwork Grant, Post-PhD Research Grant, Engaged Research Grant, Conference & Workshop Grants, Fellowship in Anthropology & Black Experiences, etc.

Wildlife Conservation Society - The WCS Graduate Scholarship Program (GSP) is part of a WCS strategy to invest in developing individual conservation leaders around the world. The GSP provides access to international graduate education opportunities (masters or doctoral programs) to exceptional conservationists from Asia/Pacific, Africa, Latin America, and North American indigenous groups. Opportunities include: Graduate Scholarship Programs and Research Fellowship Programs.

Wildlife Research Grants Program: Seattle City Lights - Seattle City Light offers wildlife research funding to qualified recipients for the purpose of developing understanding, management, and protection of wildlife resources in the North Cascades ecosystem.

Woodrow Wilson Foundation - Founded in 1945, the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to the encouragement of excellence in education through the identification of critical needs and the development of effective national programs to address them. Multiple fellowships and awards available.

Canadian Citizen Funding

Social Sciences & Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC)/Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS) - SSHRC Doctoral Fellowships support high-calibre students engaged in doctoral programs in the social sciences and humanities. This support allows scholars to fully focus on their doctoral studies, to seek out the best research mentors in their chosen fields, and to contribute to the Canadian research ecosystem during and beyond the tenure of their awards.

Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Fellowships for Canadian Citizens Abroad - The Trudeau Scholarship is the most prestigious doctoral award in Canada. It offers the opportunity to interact within an exceptional community of leaders and committed individuals in every field of the social sciences and humanities.

Regional Research Funding Opportunities

Africa

American Institute for Maghrib Studies (AIMS) Grants Program for US Citizens - Short- and long-term grants to US scholars for research in Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Libya, or Mauritania.

Carter G. Woodson Institute Fellowships - The Carter G. Woodson Institute's distinguished fellowship is a two-year residential fellowship for postdoctoral students whose work focuses on Africa and/or the African Diaspora including but not limited to research pertaining to African American, Caribbean, Latin American, African, and Diasporic contexts. Scholars selected for the fellowship are required to relocate to the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia to join a cohort of interdisciplinary scholars.

West African Research Association (WARA) Pre-Doctoral Fellowship Competition  - The WARA Predoctoral Fellowship, for 2 to 3 month’s research in West Africa during summer of the current year, is for the purpose of 1) preparing a doctoral research proposal; or 2) carrying out research related to the completion of another terminal degree program (e.g., MFA or MPH).

Asia

American Center for Mongolian Studies (ACMS) Research Fellowships  - Fellowships to support up to 12 months of doctoral dissertation or post-doctoral research in Mongolia on topics in the Social Sciences or Humanities.

China Times Cultural Foundation - Scholarships for Doctoral Dissertation Research in Chinese Studies. Scholarships for doctoral candidates in humanities or social sciences related to Chinese Studies with an approved dissertation prospectus.

Confucius China Studies Program Fellowship - The Institute of International Education is offering fellowships for U.S. doctoral candidates looking to conduct research in China and write their doctoral dissertation for a period of six months to two years. Candidates must be a U.S. citizen, or any non-Chinese citizen, enrolled in a Ph.D. program at a U.S. university. Students enrolled in Ph.D. programs at U.S. universities must apply through IIE.

Government of Indonesia, Dept. of Education and Culture "Darmasiswa" Program - One year fellowships for study in Indonesia - languages (Bahasa Indonesia), tradition dance, music, crafts, playing of traditional musical instruments.

Hopkins-Nanjing Center - An educational joint-venture located on the campus of Nanjing University, the Hopkins-Nanjing Center is a well-equipped facility housing up to 50 Chinese and 50 International students. For international students, the Hopkins-Nanjing Program is a one year residential graduate-level program of social science courses relating to contemporary China (history, foreign relations, government, politics, society economics, trade & language) taught in Mandarin by Chinese professors.

India

AIIS Advanced Language Programs in India - The Advanced Language Program in India is open to graduate students (US citizens or permanent residents) who will have completed a minimum of two years of instruction in Hindi, Bengla, Tamil, Marathi, Punjabi, Telugu, Malayalam, Sanskrit or Urdu at the time of departure. Programs are for 9 months of intensive language instruction at the various AIIS Language Centers.

 American Institute of Indian Studies - Fellowships for up to 11 months of study are available for doctoral candidates at U.S. colleges and universities in all fields of study for dissertation research in India.

Middle East

The American Institute of Iranian Studies Pre-doctoral Dissertation Research in Iranian Studies - The specific objectives of AIIrS are to represent American institutions of higher education and research in the field of Iranian Studies, and to expose new generations of students and scholars to Iran and the wider Persianate world. AIIS offers fellowships for one- to two-month research travel to countries with resources essential to the dissertation.

American Institute for Maghrib Studies (AIMS) Grants Program for US Citizens - Short- and long-term grants to US scholars for research in Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Libya, or Mauritania.

American Institute for Yemeni Studies (AIYS)  - AIYS holds an annual fellowship competition supporting research on Yemen and Yemeni Studies for U.S. citizens funded by grants from the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

American Research Institute in Turkey (ARIT)  - Fellowships for research in Turkey on ancient, medieval or modern topics (making use of ARIT's facilities in Istanbul and Ankara) for doctoral candidates and post-docs in any field of the social sciences and humanities.

Council of American Overseas Research Centers (CAORC) - Offers awards to support advanced regional or trans-regional research in the humanities, social sciences, or allied natural sciences.Scholars must carry out research in two or more countries outside the United States, at least one of which hosts a participating American overseas research center.

Europe & Eurasia

American Councils for International Education Programs - American Councils strengthen international ties and mutual understanding through excellence in academic, professional and cultural exchange, language acquisition, educational development, and research. Fellowships include round-trip international travel, housing, living stipends, visas, insurance, affiliation fees, archival access, research advising and logistical field support in the field.

American-Scandinavian Foundation  - Grants for up to one year for research in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Applicants must have a well-defined research or study project that makes a stay in Scandinavia essential.

Archaeological Institute of America -  Various fellowships for Classical Archaeology broadly including Greece, Italy, the Aegean Islands, Sicily, Asia Minor, Mesopotamia and the Western Mediterranean (certain fellowships are limited to certain areas).

DAAD German Studies Research Grants - Offers research grants for doctoral students pursuing short-term exploratory research (one to two months) to determine the viability or to delimit the scope of their proposed dissertation.

Council for European Studies (CES) - Dedicated to supporting cutting-edge research on Europe and European affairs, the Council for European Studies (CES) offers a variety of fellowships, grants, and awards. In particular, CES is a major funder of dissertation research and early career development for academics and policy specialists working in Europe.

Lois Roth Endowment - Offers traveling research grants for fieldwork in Australia, Bulgaria, Denmark, Finland, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, Russia, Sweden and Turkey.

Wiener Laboratory, American School of Classical Studies at Athens - The Malcolm H. Wiener Laboratory for Archaeological Science provides funding for scholars pursuing interdisciplinary research on archaeological questions pertaining to the ancient Greek world and adjacent areas. Three different types of Fellowship funding are offered, Programmatic Post-Doctoral (3 year), Post-Doctoral (3 year), Pre-Doctoral (2 year term), as well as shorter duration, more focused Research Associate positions. Applicants are welcome from any college or university worldwide.

South & Central America

Dumbarton Oaks, Short-Term Residencies for Graduate Students, Pre-Columbian Studies - Short-Term residencies for advanced graduate students who are either preparing for Ph.D. qualifying exams or writing doctoral dissertations in the field of Pre-Columbian Studies (Mexico, Central America, and Andean South America). Each residency provides two to four weeks of free accommodation in the Fellows Building and free lunches on weekdays, plus an unlimited pass to the Pre-Columbian Library for the period of residency.

Organization of American States/Regular Training Program (PRA) -  Fellowships for research or advanced study at the graduate level awarded to citizens or permanent residents of any OAS member State.