About The Program

Applicants may apply to participate in the program for either one semester (four months) or a full academic year (nine months). Fellows selected for a full academic year begin the program in mid-August and complete the program in mid-May.  Fellows selected for one semester may choose either the fall or spring semester depending on availability of space.

Each participant will be expected to complete a study project related to the role or operations of private nonprofit, voluntary or philanthropic organizations in the U.S.  This may include a comparison between some facet of U.S. nonprofit institutions and those in the Fellows’ country of residence.  Topics that could be the focus of Fellows’ work may include the scope, structure, and role of nonprofit organizations; the human resources management in nonprofit organizations; charitable fund-raising; public-private partnerships; tax policy; the role of foundations; community organizing or empowerment; social participation; volunteerism; and self-help.  The more focused the proposed topic the better the chance for acceptance.

Fellows will assume a combination of responsibilities that includes preparation of a research report, lectures, and, where appropriate, classroom teaching.  Fellows have the opportunity to contribute to the growing literature on the international nonprofit sector as final research reports may become a part of the Center's series of Working Papers in International Philanthropy. 

Fellows are invited to participate in all research seminars and public education forums of the Institute for Policy Studies.  The Center also requests that each fellow make a presentation of general interest to the Center and the broader Institute for Policy Studies community.

Who Should Apply?

Application Requirements

We are soliciting candidates with a high degree of interest, experience, and competence in research related to the voluntary, nongovernmental, nonprofit, or philanthropic sector. Participants must have a demonstrated track record of conducting independent inquiry and research.

Candidates are expected to have attained, at minimum, a university diploma equivalent to the American Bachelor of Arts or Science degree. A high degree of English fluency is required as demonstrated by a score of 600 or higher on the TOEFL exam.

There are no restrictions on nationality with the exception that U.S. citizens are excluded from eligibility. Fellows are required to attend the International Fellows in Philanthropy Conference prior to their fellowship year and are strongly encouraged to participate in subsequent conferences.