The Inter-American Foundation in partnership with the Institute of International Education (IIE) is currently seeking applications for the Grassroots Development Fellowship Program from eligible candidates for Ph.D. degrees from United States universities as they conduct their dissertation research on self-help initiatives of the organized poor in Latin America and the Caribbean and the groups that directly support them.
Purpose
IAF’s Fellowships are intended to increase awareness of grassroots development efforts in the target countries while building a community of professionals and scholars knowledgeable in the subject. Fellows examine the efforts of the rural and urban poor to improve their lives, their methods of organization and production, and the policies and programs designed to alleviate their poverty. The IAF disseminates research findings of its Fellows to a broad audience concerned with development.
Eligibility Requirements
The applicant must be a Ph.D. student, must be currently enrolled in a U.S. university, and must have completed all course requirements and qualifying or comprehensive examinations for the doctoral degree before initiating IAF-funded field research.
The competition is open to U.S. citizens and citizens of independent Latin American and Caribbean countries (except Cuba). Proposals for field research in Puerto Rico or the Dutch, French and British territories are not eligible.
Applicants must speak and read the language(s) appropriate to the research. An evaluation is required.
Each applicant must demonstrate a planned, substantive collaboration during the field research period, with a development or applied research institution in the Latin American or Caribbean country of the research. A letter confirming this affiliation is required.
IAF Fellows cannot receive funding from other sources in support of research conducted during the period funded by the Fellowship without the IAF’s prior written consent. The IAF will not disburse funds for benefits duplicated by another donor.
Fellowship Provisions
IAF’s Fellowships provide support for Ph.D. candidates to conduct dissertation research in Latin America and the Caribbean on topics related to grassroots development. Funding is for between four and 12 months. The Inter-American Foundation expects to award up to 15 Doctoral Field Research Fellowships in 2012. Research during the 2012-2013 cycle must be initiated between June 1, 2012 and May 31, 2013.
- Round-trip economy-class transportation to the field research site from the Fellow’s primary residence. Fellows must comply with the Fly America Act.
- A research allowance of up to $3,000, pro-rated monthly.
- A stipend of $1,500 per month for up to 12 months.
- Accident and sickness insurance.
- Attendance at a required “mid-year” Grassroots Development Conference to discuss each Fellow’s progress with members of the IAF’s academic review committee and meet with IAF and IIE staff.
Last date for submission of application is January 17, 2012
For more information, visit this link.
