Public Scholarship Fellows Program

This new fellowship opportunity is intended to facilitate community-led projects and programs that align with the core goal of the Marty Center: to advance the public understanding of religion. Public Scholarship Fellows receive funding (up to $3000) and logistical support for public-facing projects or programs about religion. The Marty Center will review proposals from community members each year and choose up to one eligible project. 

We especially encourage proposals for projects and programs involving non-traditional academic formats. Potential proposals could include, for example, written or multimedia publications for distribution through the news media, podcast series, digital exhibits, gallery exhibitions, film series, and more. The fellowship is primarily intended to offer financial and administrative support for small-scale projects and programming, rather than traditional academic conferences or large-scale projects. Collaborative projects are welcome. The maximum award amount is $3000. 

Applicants do not need to be affiliated with the Divinity School or the University of Chicago. We welcome the opportunity to consult with interested community members about ideas, logistics, and publicity at any time.   

Required Application Materials   
A proposal that includes the following information:   
• The name, affiliations, and email address of the applicant
• A description and scope of the project or program, including a statement about the topic, rationale, and significance – with a particular emphasis on how the project or program will advance the public understanding of religion (maximum 750 words)
• A description and explanation of all public-facing component(s)
• A timeline of the project or program for the funded quarter
• A budget outlining how the awarded funds will be used 

Proposals should also note any additional funding sources and indicate whether the Marty Center will be the principal sponsor. If the project or program is awarded funding, the Marty Center's contribution must be acknowledged in all publicity materials and related publications.  

How to Apply 
Submit your application materials and provide all requested information via our Google Form here.

Deadline   
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Please direct any questions to Marty Center Program Manager Tiffany Annett at tannett@uchicago.edu.