Last updated July 2012
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 master’s 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 and letters of support are due by March 1. It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that all materials, including the two required letters, reached the Society on time; send an email inquiry to Linda Musumeci, Director of Grants and Fellowships, at LMusumeci [at] amphilsoc [dot] 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.