Native American Collections Fellowship

Overview

The Native American Collections Research Fellowship supports emerging and mid-career Native community-focused researchers to pursue independent research projects that utilize the NMAI collections. This fellowship is intended to support researchers who engage with Native communities and perform research in a way that benefits Native peoples.

Fellows in this program may access both object and archival collections, along with research materials, housed at the museum’s Cultural Resources Center (CRC) and Vine Deloria, Jr. Library. Travel allowance is provided for the fellow’s roundtrip travel to the Smithsonian in Washington, DC. Fellows may also be provided an additional allowance for research-related travel and research supplies and materials.

Location and Term

The period of this fellowship is September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026. This includes a six-week phase of virtual meetings and activities at the start of the fellowship term with a focus on professional development activities aimed to build the skills and capacity of the fellow to conduct research. This initial period includes training and orientation to the museum’s collections and other resources at the Smithsonian, refining the proposed research project and timeline in consultation with NMAI staff, and networking with NMAI staff and fellows. Additional professional development opportunities are available throughout the fellowship period and are offered in consultation with the fellow.

After the first six weeks, fellows are expected to be onsite to conduct their research. While some fellows may also need to be in the community to work with other community members as part of their research projects, fellows are expected to reside in the DC area for at least nine months total to conduct their onsite research activities. Fellows must commit to prioritizing their research activities during the entirety of the fellowship period to receive the full stipend award.

The majority of NMAI collections are housed at the CRC in Suitland, Maryland. A Smithsonian employee shuttle is available to transport fellows to and from the National Mall to the CRC. Note that housing is not provided, but financial and logistical resources are offered to fellows to support their time residing in the DC area.

Candidates applying from outside the US are encouraged to contact the NMAI Fellowship Program Administrator to learn more about unique considerations for international fellows and visa implications. Individuals are not able to use tourist status (B-1, B-2, WB, WT, ESTA, EVUS, etc.) for this fellowship. Individuals requiring J-1 visa sponsorship must be enrolled in a degree-seeking program or have a US bachelor’s degree or equivalent to be eligible for this program.

Stipend and Allowances

Fellows are offered up to $66,000 in financial support, plus a one-time roundtrip travel allowance. Financial support is provided in the form of stipends and allowances to support the fellow’s research activities. Please note that all stipends are subject to tax.

* Fellowship Stipend—a base stipend of $57,000 is provided to cover living expenses such as lodging, food, and transportation for fellowship activities. This stipend is evenly distributed in payments across the fellowship period.
* Health Insurance Allowance—a separate allowance of $5,000 is provided to assist with healthcare costs during the fellowship period. This allowance is evenly distributed in stipend payments across the fellowship period.
* Research Allowance—up to $4,000 is provided for equipment, supplies, research-related travel costs, and other support required to conduct research. This can be used to support costs such as travel to other museums or research institutions, conference attendance, or other professional development activities that increase the capacity of the fellow to conduct work. These funds can be requested as needed throughout the fellowship period.
* Travel Allowance—fellows will be provided a one-time roundtrip travel allowance for their travel to the Smithsonian. This travel allowance will be disbursed in the stipend payment following the fellow’s travel to the Smithsonian.

Upon successful completion of the fellowship term, the researcher will become eligible to apply for additional funding to support a community-based project to bring the experience and information gained at the NMAI back to a community related to or impacted by the research project. The type of community can be broadly defined and encompass rural or reservation communities, urban communities, academic or knowledge-based communities, etc. Researchers will be asked to submit a plan, timeline, and budget for their community-based project to access these funds. Researchers must use these funds within six months of completing their fellowship.

Eligibility

_You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website._

* This fellowship is most suited to individuals conducting research that would be beneficial to a community with collections at the NMAI.
* Individuals who are early in their research or scholarly careers, or who have conducted previous work but would benefit from additional guidance, are ideal candidates for this program.
* Applicants may be associated with a university or have an advanced degree, although this is not required.
* Note that any researcher requesting access to sacred, ceremonial, or culturally sensitive items must obtain and provide proof of permission from an authorized tribal official prior to access.