Funding

Franklin Research Grants

Since 1933 the American Philosophical Society has awarded small grants to scholars in order to support the cost of research leading to publication in all areas of knowledge. In 2009-2010 the Franklin Research Grants program awarded over $360,000 to 73 scholars, and the Society expects to make a similar number of awards in this year’s competition. The Franklin program is particularly designed to help meet the costs of travel to libraries and archives for research purposes; the purchase of microfilm, photocopies, or equivalent research materials; the costs associated with fieldwork; or laboratory research expenses.

Franklin grants are made for non-commercial research. They are not intended to meet the expenses of attending conferences or the costs of publication. The Society does not pay overhead or indirect costs to any institution. Grants will not be made to replace salary during a leave of absence or earnings from summer teaching; pay living expenses while working at home; cover the costs of consultants or research assistants; or purchase permanent equipment such as computers, cameras, tape recorders, or laboratory apparatus.

Eligibility
Applicants are expected to have a doctorate or to have published work of doctoral character and quality. PhD candidates are not eligible to apply, but the Society is particularly interested in supporting the work of young scholars who have recently received the doctorate. American citizens and residents of the United States may use their Franklin awards at home or abroad. Foreign nationals must use their Franklin awards for research in the United States. Applicants who have received Franklin grants may reapply after an interval of two years.

Awards
Funding is offered up to a maximum of $6,000 for use in calendar year 2011. Grants are not retroactive.

Grants are payable to the individual applicant. Franklin 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 for applications and two letters of support:

  • October 1, 2010, for a January 2011 decision for work in February through December
  • December 1, 2010, for a March 2011 decision for work in April through December

It is the applicant’s responsibility to verify that all materials, including the required two letters of support, reached the Society; contact Linda Musumeci, Director of Grants and Fellowships, at LMusumeci@amphilsoc.org or 215-440-3429.

For further information or to apply online visit http://www.amphilsoc.org/grants/franklin