The Wilma Gibbs Moore Fellowships, offered by Indiana Humanities, provide a $5,000 stipend to support humanities research focused on anti-Black racial injustice and structural racism in Indiana. The fellowship aims to encourage new scholarship that examines the historical and contemporary experiences of Black Hoosiers, including their responses to systemic racism through political, social, economic, and cultural initiatives. By fostering high-quality humanities research, Indiana Humanities seeks to strengthen civic engagement and deepen public understanding of these issues.

The fellowship prioritizes several key research goals. It supports studies that analyze Black Hoosiers’ responses to racial injustice, document policies and actions that contributed to racial inequality, and explore how communities have worked to overcome these challenges over time. Additionally, the program encourages the use of Indiana-based archives and collections to enrich scholarship and increase representation of Indiana’s Black history in regional and national historiographies.

The application process opens on January 1, 2025. A draft application submission is encouraged by February 28, 2025, and the final application deadline is April 30, 2025. Selected applicants will be notified by June 16, 2025, with work permitted to begin immediately upon notification. Research must be completed by June 30, 2026, with an interim report due by December 31, 2025, and a final report required by June 30, 2026.

Eligible applicants should propose research projects that align with the fellowship’s goals. Scholars, researchers, and professionals with expertise in humanities disciplines are encouraged to apply. The program seeks to expand the depth and quality of humanities-based scholarship on racial justice issues in Indiana and increase engagement with local archival materials.

For further information about the Wilma Gibbs Moore Fellowship and application requirements, interested applicants can contact George Hanlin, Director of Grants, at ghanlin@indianahumanities.org or 317-616-9784.