Mellon Foundation Native American Scholars Initiative (NASI) Postdoctoral Fellowship Grant

Mellon Foundation Native American Scholars Initiative (NASI) Postdoctoral Fellowship Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: American Philosophical Society
Amount: US $75,750
Last Updated: December 08, 2025

Summary

The Mellon Foundation Native American Scholars Initiative (NASI) Postdoctoral Fellowship offers a nine-month opportunity for recent doctoral graduates, professors, and independent scholars to engage with Indigenous communities. Supported by the American Philosophical Society, the fellowship includes a stipend of $50,000, $20,000 for health insurance, and additional funds for travel and relocation. This initiative aims to foster collaboration between scholars and Indigenous communities, prioritizing those with personal engagement in Native issues.

Overview

Background These funding opportunities are supported by the Mellon Foundation Native American Scholars Initiative (NASI). Fellows will be associated with the APS’s Center for Native American and Indigenous Research (CNAIR), which aims to promote greater collaboration between scholars, archives, and Indigenous communities. This nine-month fellowship is intended for a recent doctoral graduate, a professor at any level seeking sabbatical support for a research project, or an independent postdoctoral scholar working closely with an Indigenous community on a project. Applications are open to scholars in any field and all periods of time. Preference will be given to those who have sustained personal engagement or experience with Indigenous communities. We particularly encourage applications from tribal college or university faculty, and members of Indigenous communities. The caliber of the project is the most important criteria for evaluation. The selection committee will also take into consideration the need to be at the APS's Library & Museum and other research institutions in the Philadelphia area. Terms A stipend of $50,000 for nine months will be awarded to the successful applicant, who will also have desk space at the American Philosophical Society. In addition, the postdoctoral fellow will receive $5,000 in travel funds for outside research, fieldwork, and/or travel, $750 relocation cost, and will receive $20,000 to offset health insurance costs. Fellows will also partake in the intellectual life of the Society and have opportunities to receive professional development, including works-in-progress seminars, a manuscript workshop, career mentoring, and conference participation. 9 month residential fellowship$50,000 stipend$20,000 to offset health insurance costs$5,000 travel/research fund$750 relocation

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. This fellowship is open to those who are not U.S. citizens or residents, but it does not provide visa sponsorship.Applicants must have a terminal graduate degree by the beginning of the fellowship term.