Jacobs Research Funds Grant Program

Jacobs Research Funds Grant Program

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Whatcom Museum Foundation
Amount: Up to US $9,000
Last Updated: January 25, 2026

Summary

The Jacobs Research Funds (JRF) provide grants for research on aboriginal peoples of the Americas, supporting projects that focus on endangered cultures and languages, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. Grants range from $3,000 to $9,000, and applicants must submit all required documents, including support letters, by February 15. JRF prioritizes new data collection and does not fund proprietary or non-aboriginal research. Eligible researchers must typically hold a Master's degree or have a designated Sponsor.

Overview

Welcome The Jacobs Research Funds (JRF) and the Kinkade Language and Culture Fund (KLF) are sister organizations that fund linguistic and anthropological research on aboriginal peoples of North and South America. The JRF accepts proposals on behalf of both organizations. The JRF is affiliated with the Whatcom Museum in Bellingham, Washington. Overview The Jacobs Research Funds (JRF) offers grants in support of research on aboriginal peoples of the Americas. Most grants are in the range of $3,000 USD, but projects up to $6,000 or $9,000 are also considered. This document explains how to apply for a grant, including what expenses are eligible and what documents are required. All documents, including at least two support letters, must be received by the annual deadline of February 15. All data collected with the support of the JRF must be archived at the University of Washington Libraries. Grant Categories There are three categories of JRF grants, namely Individual, Group, and Kinkade: Individual grants 1 Researcher, up to $3,000 USD or equivalentIndividual grants support research projects by a single Researcher on a focused problem. Group grants 2 or more Researchers, up to $6,000 USD or equivalentGroup grants support work by two or more Researchers who cooperate on the same or similar projects.The Researchers share expenses while working on the same language, with the same people, or in the same geographical area.One Researcher in the group must be designated as the Principal Investigator (PI). Kinkade grants up to $9,000 USD or equivalentKinkade grants honor the memory of the late Dale Kinkade, a linguist known for his work on Salishan languages.Kinkade grants support projects requiring an intense period of fieldwork, such as a dictionary or collection of texts.They are intended for a single experienced Researcher, such as a Ph.D. student working on a dissertation, a professor on sabbatical, or a retiree seeking to complete major research.However, Kinkade proposals from groups of two or more Researchers will be considered in exceptional circumstances.Kinkade grants are awarded rarely, and only to the most worthy projects.If a project is not awarded a Kinkade grant, the PI is still eligible to receive an Individual grant.

Eligibility

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