Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Buddhism Public Scholars Grant

Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Buddhism Public Scholars Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: American Council of Learned Societies
Amount: Up to US $75,000
Last Updated: October 11, 2025

Summary

The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Buddhism Public Scholars Fellowships offer recent PhD graduates in Buddhist Studies the opportunity to work at host institutions such as museums and libraries. Scholars will engage in meaningful roles, receiving competitive compensation and health benefits. Starting in September 2026, this initiative aims to foster partnerships that enhance the understanding and dissemination of Buddhist traditions, benefiting both scholars and cultural organizations globally.

Overview

Note: Neither ACLS nor the host institution will sponsor scholars for visas. Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Buddhism Public Scholars The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Buddhism Public Scholars Fellowships in Buddhist Studies places recent recipients of the PhD in professional positions at host institutions (museums, libraries, and publications) that present and interpret knowledge of Buddhist traditions. The selected Buddhism Public Scholars will use their academic knowledge and professional expertise to bolster the capacity of host institutions in areas such as Buddhist art, Buddhist thought, or Buddhist practice. Host institutions may focus on any Buddhist tradition (or traditions) worldwide. We expect the Buddhism Public Scholars initiative to nurture mutually beneficial partnerships between scholars and hosts that will help disseminate knowledge of Buddhist traditions to broad publics. Buddhism Public Scholars will: Take on substantive, intellectually meaningful responsibilities at cultural institutionsReceive compensation of:up to 75,000 USD and health insurance at US-based host institutionsup to 57,000 GBP at the Courtauld Institute of Art, UKup to 84,000 CAD at Lion’s Roar, CanadaBegin one-year positions in September 2026, with the option to renew for another 12-months Host institutions will: Benefit from the scholar’s knowledge and professional capacities, including cultural competencies, and strong skills in writing, research, organization, and problem-solving​Guide the scholar’s contributions to ongoing projects or to the design of new ones Provide oversight and access to requisite resources Encourage and enable networking and mentorship Participating Host Institutions We are proud to be working with the following organizations to host potential Buddhism Public Scholars. Please click on the links below for job descriptions. Lion’s Roar Foundation (Halifax, Nova Scotia)Minneapolis Institute of Art (Minneapolis, MN)Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art (New York, NY)The Courtauld Institute of Art (London, United Kingdom)The Tricycle Foundation (New York, NY)

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Applicants must hold a PhD in the humanities or social sciences from an accredited university.An applicant must hold a PhD conferred between September 1, 2020 and June 30, 2026.If the PhD is not conferred (officially awarded) before the application deadline, finalists will be asked to submit a letter from the scholar’s graduate school confirming that the dissertation has been submitted and approved by the graduate school for conferral according to the university calendar. The scholar is responsible for submitting the dissertation on time in order to meet this requirement.Applicants must have work authorization (e.g., citizenship or permanent residency) in the country in which the host institution is located.See FAQ for further information on work authorization.Applicants to US-based host institutions must be authorized to work legally in the United States for the duration of the initial 12-month fellowship term. This includes Indigenous individuals residing in the United States through rights associated with the Jay Treaty of 1794, and those who hold DACA status, Temporary Protected Status, political asylee or refugee status, and other non-permanent status.Applicants to the Courtauld Institute of Art (UK) must have the right to work in the United Kingdom.Applicants to Lion’s Roar (Canada) must be authorized to work legally in Canada for the duration of the initial 12-month fellowship term.