The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Public Impact Grants in Buddhist Studies

The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Public Impact Grants in Buddhist Studies

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: American Council of Learned Societies
Amount: US $10,000 - US $50,000
Last Updated: August 07, 2025

Summary

The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Public Impact Grants in Buddhist Studies, supported by the American Council of Learned Societies, aim to enhance public understanding of Buddhism by funding projects that engage communities and scholars. Eligible projects should focus on making Buddhist art, texts, and traditions accessible, while fostering meaningful connections with the public. This initiative encourages innovative outreach, including translation projects and collaborations with cultural institutions, to broaden the impact of Buddhist scholarship.

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 Public Impact Grants in Buddhist Studies Support projects that make knowledge about Buddhism accessible to more people and improve public understanding of Buddhist art, texts, and traditions by promoting engagement between Buddhist Studies scholars and public audiences and/or communities of practice. Projects must: aim to engage significantly with either public audiences (e.g., through media or through public spaces) or with specific Buddhist communities meaningfully incorporate academic research on any aspect of Buddhist knowledge, culture, or traditions for public audiences involve new, time-limited activities What kind of projects are we looking for? ACLS encourages projects that help Buddhist communities of practice engage directly with Buddhist texts, art, histories, or traditions; that make scholarship on Buddhist Studies more accessible to general audiences; or that will inform current public debates on topics from healthcare to environmental policy. Translation projects are strongly encouraged! Examples include, but are not limited to: Translation projects that incorporate community outreach, consultation, and/or engagement with ritual practitioners Working with a museum or library to research and make a small collection of Buddhist material publicly accessible Developing public programming for a local cultural institution or community-based organization Partnering with a community to support cultural preservation or archival projects Creating a podcast or media series to disseminate accessible information on contemporary Buddhist scholarship Organizing opportunities for undergraduate research and engagement with local communities of practice Workshops or events that bring together scholars and practitioners around Buddhist Studies research or translation

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Projects may be conducted by an individual or a collaborative team. If conducted by an individual, the individual is considered the Principal Investigator (PI). Individual applicants and leaders of collaborative teams must have: a PhD in the humanities or social sciences. The PhD degree must be conferred (officially awarded) by an accredited university by the application deadline. An established scholar who can demonstrate the equivalent of a PhD in publications and professional experience may also qualify.an affiliation—a long-term regular research or teaching appointment—with an accredited institution of higher education, cultural organization, or major research institute.All projects must include a PI or team member with expertise in Buddhist Studies. The application must be written in English. There are no restrictions as to the location of work proposed or the citizenship/residence of project team membersAward funds can be used as stipends for work performed, travel, convening, consultant services, staff training, or related office expenses. No institutional overhead is permitted, but direct costs, including office space and administrative assistance, are allowable. A budget is required.

Ineligibility

No academic publications will be supported.