The Fellowship Programs at Independent Research Institutions (FPIRI) grant, administered by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), supports institutions that provide fellowships for advanced humanities research both in the U.S. and abroad. These fellowships promote intellectual exchange among participating scholars and give access to unique resources unavailable elsewhere. Eligible organizations include independent centers for advanced study, libraries, museums, American overseas research centers, and American organizations with expertise in supporting humanities research abroad. Individual scholars seeking fellowships must apply directly to participating institutions, not to the NEH.

The program awards up to $565,000 per institution, consisting of $385,000 in outright funds and $180,000 in federal matching funds. The period of performance can extend up to 42 months, with fellowship tenures ranging from four to twelve months. Fellows are required to commit to full-time work on their projects for the duration of the fellowship, and residential fellows must remain on-site during the entire period. If a fellow leaves early due to exceptional circumstances, their stipend is prorated accordingly. The program emphasizes the value of an institution’s resources, such as library holdings, archives, and special collections, in its evaluation criteria.

FPIRI-funded projects encompass a wide array of humanities research initiatives. Examples include long-term fellowships at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, the American Institute of Indian Studies for research in India, and the American Research Institute in Turkey. These programs highlight the diverse range of projects eligible for funding under the FPIRI program.

Eligible applicants are institutions such as independent research centers, museums, libraries, and overseas research organizations that facilitate humanities research. Individual scholars are not eligible to apply directly to the NEH for this program but can seek fellowships through institutions receiving FPIRI grants. Priority is given to institutions that provide exceptional access to resources and foster collaborative scholarly communities.

Applications are submitted through Grants.gov. While the specific submission requirements are not detailed, applicants should be aware of recent revisions to federal regulations governing grant awards, effective October 1, 2024. Updated guidelines will be provided prior to the next application cycle, which is anticipated to open on May 13, 2025, with a submission deadline of August 13, 2025. Award notifications are expected by April 30, 2026, and funded projects will commence on January 1, 2027.

Evaluation of applications will focus on the quality and availability of institutional resources, the ability to support fellows’ research, and the program’s contribution to advancing humanities scholarship. Program statistics indicate a high funding ratio, with an average of 12 applications per year and nine awards granted annually, equating to a 75% success rate.

For further details or inquiries, applicants can contact the Division of Research Programs at fpiri@neh.gov or call 202-606-8200. Additional information about program guidelines, revisions, and application resources is available on the NEH website.