FAQs on applying for an Open Society Fellowship.

Is there an application deadline?

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Please refer to the "Application & Selection" section of the guidelines page for more information.

Do I need to answer all the questions under the Project Proposal?

Yes, all questions under the Project Proposal should be answered. If you have existing book or project proposals that you have written for other funders, please rewrite them to answer our specific questions.

How long does it take for an application to be reviewed?

Applications are reviewed throughout the year and a small number of applicants (usually less than 10 percent) are chosen as finalists. These finalists are considered by an outside selection committee which meets two or three times a year. All applicants who are not chosen as finalists will learn the results within 3 months of the application deadline. Please refer to the selection schedule on the guidelines page for more information.

How is the fellowship stipend determined?

A fellow's stipend is based on several factors including the fellow's experience, seniority, prior earnings and the cost of living in the city where he/she is based. The stipend does not necessarily equal the applicant's current salary. Applicants' dependents are not factored into the stipend calculations.

Does the fellowship support dissertation research?

A dissertation is not an acceptable fellowship project. For scholarships and funding for degree programs, please visit the Scholarship Programs website.

Can two or more people jointly apply for a fellowship?

No, the fellowship program only accepts individual applications.

What are allowable fellowship expenses?

In addition to supplying a fellowship stipend for living expenses, OSI may cover additional limited expenses such as travel, conference fees, and part-time research assistance.

Fellowship expenses should not include operational or programmatic costs, such as employees and physical infrastructure. The purpose of the fellowship is to support individual fellows; therefore OSI will only cover individual expenses. Other ineligible expenses include per diems for prolonged research trips, Internet and telephone bills.

What are the guidelines for projects to "seed" new campaigns or organizations?

"Seeding" means conceptualizing, researching, planning, and laying the groundwork for a new organization or campaign. The fellowship will not provide direct operational support for the campaign or organization itself.

Will the fellowship support the development of a for-profit organization?

The fellowship cannot fund efforts to launch for-profit entities.

Does the fellowship fund documentary films?

The fellowship will not fund the production of a documentary film. However, projects involving pre-production research and development and post-production advocacy and outreach efforts conducted by a single person will be considered. The proposal must also demostrate rigorous and original thinking about how cultural expression can advance social change.

Are photography projects eligible for support?

Yes. The program will consider photography projects that show original thinking about the nexus of art and advocacy. Applicants should also be aware that OSI has a Documentary Photography Project that supports photography.