Open Society Fellowship

Overview

_NOTE; Applications are currently closed._**
Open Society Fellowship**

Applicants for the Open Society Fellowship are invited to address the following proposition:

_New and radical forms of ownership, governance, entrepreneurship, and financialization are needed to fight pervasive economic inequality._

This proposition is intended as a provocation—to stimulate productive controversy and debate—and does not necessarily represent the views of the Open Society Foundations. Applicants are invited to dispute, substantiate, or otherwise engage with the proposition in their submissions. Though the proposition deals with economic issues, those without an economics or business background are welcome to apply, provided they have a relevant project in mind.

Once chosen, fellows will work on projects of their own design and passion. At the same time, they are expected to take advantage of the intellectual and logistical resources of the Open Society Foundations and contribute meaningfully to the Foundations’ thinking. Fellows will also have opportunities to collaborate with one another as a cohort. It is hoped that the fellowship will not only nurture theoretical debate but also bring about policy change and reform.

Purpose and Priorities

The Open Society Fellowship was founded in 2008 to support individuals pursuing innovative and unconventional approaches to fundamental open society challenges. The fellowship funds work that will enrich public understanding of those challenges and stimulate far-reaching and probing conversations within the Open Society Foundations and in the world.

Open Society fellows produce work outputs of their own choosing, such as a book, journalistic or academic articles, art projects, a series of convenings, etc. In addition, fellowship cohorts may develop a joint work product of some sort. Fellowship staff will assist cohorts in brainstorming possible outputs if needed.

The Work Product

Successful projects should push the boundaries of current thinking and carry lessons that can be applied to a variety of settings. Applicants should carefully consider the impact they want their work to have and the audiences they wish to reach. They should then think creatively about the activities and work products that will reach these audiences most effectively.

Open Society fellows produce work outputs of their own choosing, such as a book, journalistic or academic articles, art projects, a series of convenings, etc. In addition, fellowship cohorts may develop a joint work product of some sort. Fellowship staff will assist cohorts in brainstorming possible outputs.

The fellowship will not fund the production of a documentary film from the project budget. However, projects involving pre-production research and development and post-production advocacy and outreach efforts conducted by a single person will be considered. For all cultural projects, including documentary film, the proposal must also demonstrate rigorous and original thinking about how cultural expression can address the challenges embedded in the given proposition.

Fellowship Expectations

At the heart of the fellowship are the Open Society Foundations themselves. Fellows are invited to join the rich and diverse Foundations network, a global network of activists and institutions dedicated to defending civil society and improving the lives of the world’s most vulnerable citizens.

Fellows are expected to take full advantage of the Foundations’ expansive reach and work to bring new people and fresh ideas into the organization’s ambit. Fellows are not required to take up residency in an OSF office, although that option is offered; fellows are, however, expected to spend a portion of their term visiting one or more of the organization’s main offices or at a national and regional foundation. While in residence or visiting, they are strongly encouraged to organize and participate in conferences and program events. Ultimately, fellows should sharpen the organization’s thinking, question its assumptions, and broaden its understanding of the pivotal political and social problems posed by a given proposition. In order to facilitate these interactions, proficiency in spoken English is required.

Fellowship Placement and Term

A small number of full proposals will be selected as finalists. These finalists are considered by an outside selection committee. Fellowships are awarded for one year. Fellowship program staff will work with fellows selected around a given proposition to coordinate interactions, convenings, and potential joint outputs as a cohort.

A fellowship term can begin up to a year after selection, in consultation with program staff. The program encourages submissions from applicants from a range of personal circumstances - including those with families - and will work with fellows to devise a schedule that meets their needs and the program’s expectations.

Fellows who wish to work on their project in a country in which they do not have citizenship must satisfy and comply with applicable visa requirements. The program will help fellows obtain necessary visas and will cover all associated costs.

Fellowship Support

Fellows will receive a stipend of $80,000 or $100,000, depending on work experience, seniority, and current income. The stipend does not necessarily equal the applicant’s current salary.

In most cases, the program will advise fellows on ways to communicate their work to a broader audience and influence current debates. Staff also work to integrate fellows into the networks of OSF's individual and organizational partners and grantees and with other members of the fellowship cohort.

In addition to the stipend, fellows will receive a project budget. That budget may include expenses such as travel (including airfare and hotel), visa costs, part-time research assistance, conference fees and health insurance. Fellowship expenses should not include operational or programmatic costs, such as employees and physical infrastructure. The purpose of the fellowship is to support individual fellows; therefore the program will cover mainly individual expenses.

Eligibility

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

* Ideal fellows are specialists who can see beyond the parochialisms of their field and possess the tenacity to complete a project of exceptional merit.
* Proposals will be accepted from anywhere in the world, although demonstrable proficiency in spoken and written English is required.
* Applicants should possess and demonstrate a deep understanding of the major themes embedded within the proposition above and be willing to work in a cohort of fellows with diverse occupational, geographic, and ideological profiles.
* Successful applicants should be eager to exploit the many resources offered by the Open Society Foundations and be prepared to engage constructively with our global network.

Ineligibility

* The fellowship does not fund enrollment for degree or nondegree study at academic institutions, including dissertation research.
* This is a fellowship for individuals only; proposals from organizations or individuals acting on behalf of organizations will not be accepted.