The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation New Professorships in Buddhist Studies Grant

The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation New Professorships in Buddhist Studies Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: American Council of Learned Societies
Amount: Up to US $300,000
Last Updated: September 14, 2025

Summary

The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation offers grants of up to $300,000 over four years to support new professorships in Buddhist studies at institutions worldwide. Eligible institutions must demonstrate that the position will significantly enhance their curriculum in Buddhist studies. A commitment letter from a senior official is required, ensuring the position becomes a permanent, tenure-track role post-funding. This initiative aims to advance the understanding and teaching of Buddhism in higher education.

Overview

Mission The American Council of Learned Societies supports the creation and circulation of knowledge that advances understanding of humanity and human endeavors in the past, present, and future, with a view toward improving human experience. The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation New Professorships in Buddhist Studies Institutions of higher education worldwide are eligible to apply for grants up to $300,000 (to be expended over four years) in support of teaching positions in Buddhist studies. The proposed position should be a new position. If the proposed position is a replacement for a retirement or otherwise vacated position where Buddhist Studies at the institution would be significantly affected without award funds, the proposal should make that case. The establishment of the position must contribute significantly to the institution. This has been taken to mean establishing a curriculum in Buddhist Studies where none has existed or where such a curriculum was in clear and urgent need of support. In addition, applicant institutions are eligible to request funds for costs related to a competitive search for the proposed position. The request must not exceed the $300,000 maximum. A letter must be attached to the application from the institution’s president, vice-chancellor, rector, provost, or dean expressing the institution’s commitment to maintain the seeded position as a permanent, tenure-track post after the expiration of The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Global’s funding, consistent with the university’s policies on tenure-track positions. At institutions without a tenure-track system, the applicant institution must commit to continuing the position for a substantial period after the expiration of grant funding and must provide a description of how this commitment fits its contractual practices. The heart of the application is a statement outlining the proposed position—its responsibilities, departmental location, its rank, the fit with the institution’s mission and curricular plans, and the qualifications sought in potential appointees. The statement should describe the process of identifying the appointee. Please see FAQs for additional guidelines.

Eligibility

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