Phillips Fund Grant for Native American Research
Last updated June 2009

FAQs

Scope
The Phillips Fund of the American Philosophical Society provides grants for research in Native American linguistics, ethnohistory, and the history of studies of Native Americans, in the continental United States and Canada. Grants are not made for projects in archaeology, ethnography, psycholinguistics, or for the preparation of pedagogical materials. The committee distinguishes ethnohistory from contemporary ethnography as the study of cultures and culture change through time. The grants are intended for such costs as travel, tapes, films, and consultants' fees but not for the purchase of books or permanent equipment.

Eligibility
The committee prefers to support the work of younger scholars who have received the doctorate. Applications are also accepted from graduate students for research on masters theses or doctoral dissertations.

The committee sometimes approves two awards to the same person within a five-year period.

Award and Duration
The average award is about $2,500; grants do not exceed $3,500. Grants are given for one year following the date of the award. Grants are taxable income, but the Society is not required to report payments. It is recommended that grant recipients discuss their reporting obligations with their tax advisors.

Deadline and Notification
Applications are due by March 1. This is a receipt deadline, NOT a postmark deadline. It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that all materials, including the letters of support, reached the Society on time; send an email inquiry to Linda Musumeci, Research Administrator, at LMusumeci@amphilsoc.org or call 215-440-3429. Notification is sent in May.

Requirements
Recipients of awards are expected to provide the American Philosophical Society Library with a brief formal report and copies of any tape recordings, transcriptions, microfilms, etc., acquired in the process of the grant-funded research. The materials will be made available to scholars using the Library’s collections.

How to Apply
Retrieve the 3-page application form below. Fill it out completely using 11-pt type or larger. You may add up to two additional pages for the project statement. Send your completed application as an e-mail attachment to applications@amphilsoc.org or mail to:

Two letters of support ON OUR FORM are required, which may be submitted electronically to lettersofsupport@amphilsoc.org or forwarded with the proposal in sealed envelopes. Alert your referees that letters MUST follow our format and MUST NOT exceed one page.

The application and both letters must be received by the deadline.

Forms
Click on the following links for necessary forms:

Application Form

• MS Word format (fill-in form)
• Rich Text format (fill-in form)
• MS Word format
• Rich Text format
• pdf format

Referee Letter

• MS Word format
• Rich Text format
• pdf format

View the Phillips Fund grantees.