Scholarship Overview
Overview
The Newberry Library Short-Term Fellowship is a competitive research award that enables scholars to spend one to two months in residence at the Newberry Library in Chicago, Illinois. This fellowship is designed for researchers who need direct access to specific items in the Newberry’s extensive collections to advance their scholarly projects.
For African scholars from Zimbabwe and the SADC region, this represents a valuable opportunity to access world-class archival materials that may not be available locally. The fellowship provides financial support for housing, travel, and living expenses during your research stay.
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What the Fellowship Covers
Short-Term Fellows receive a stipend of $3,000 per month. This funding is intended to support:
- Housing costs in Chicago
- Travel to and from Chicago
- Other living expenses during the residency
Important: The Newberry Library does not provide housing for fellows. You must arrange your own accommodation.
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Most awards provide 1 month of support. However, three fellowships offer extended terms:
- Jody Enders Fellowship: 2 months (Medieval/Renaissance theater, rhetoric, or translation)
- Frances C. Allen Fellowship: 1-2 months (Indigenous women scholars)
- Lester J. Cappon Fellowship in Documentary Editing: 1-2 months (historical editing projects, postdoctoral only)
Awards can be taken up at any point during a 15-month window between June of the awarding year and August of the following year.
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Eligibility Requirements
The Short-Term Fellowship is open to:
- PhD-holding scholars at any career stage
- PhD candidates with ABD (all-but-dissertation) status or equivalent
You do not need to be a faculty member to apply. The fellowship welcomes:
- Curators and librarians
- Independent scholars
- Researchers from any field, provided your project demonstrates a specific need to work with Newberry collection items
If you do not hold a PhD or ABD status, you may be eligible for the Artists-in-Residence Fellowships instead.
Specialized Fellowship Opportunities
Several named fellowships have additional eligibility criteria:
- Frances C. Allen Fellowship and Susan Kelly Power and Helen Hornbeck Tanner Fellowship: For citizens or documented descendants of U.S. federally recognized tribal nations or Native Hawaiian individuals
- Midwest Modern Language Association Fellowship: Requires MMLA membership
- Newberry Center for Renaissance Studies Consortium Fellowships: Requires affiliation with a consortium member institution
- Lester J. Cappon Fellowship: Postdoctoral scholars only
- Anne Jacobson Schutte Fellowship: Preference for early-career scholars
Application Process
Applications for the 2027-28 fellowship cycle are currently open.
Step-by-Step Application
- Review the Newberry’s collections to identify specific materials relevant to your research
- Prepare your project proposal demonstrating why in-person access is essential
- Complete the online application form
- For specialized fellowships (Allen, Power/Tanner, MMLA), indicate your interest on the application form
- Submit all required documents before the deadline
Research Opportunities at the Newberry
The Newberry holds millions of sources spanning centuries of human history. Collection strengths particularly relevant for African and global scholars include:
- Early modern European history and Renaissance studies
- American history and founding principles
- History of cartography and geographic materials
- Medieval and Renaissance theater and performance
- Legal and constitutional history
Before applying, consult the Newberry’s research guides, bibliographies, and collection descriptions to confirm the availability of materials for your project.
Joint and Alternative Opportunities
Newberry fellowship awardees may also apply for:
- Joint fellowships with the Herzog August Bibliothek (Germany) and the American Trust for the British Library
- NCAIS Fellowships: For faculty and graduate students from Native American and Indigenous Studies-affiliated institutions
- Tribal Research Fellowship: For researchers working on behalf of U.S. federally recognized tribal nations
Contact Information
For questions about the fellowship program:
- Sarah Mead Leonard, PhD – Associate Director
- Kira Schukar – Program Assistant
- Email: Available through the Newberry website contact form
Practical Considerations for African Applicants
Applicants from Zimbabwe and the SADC region should plan for:
- Visa requirements: Research the J-1 exchange visitor visa or B-1/B-2 visa options for short-term academic research
- Travel costs: The $3,000/month stipend must cover international airfare; budget carefully
- Health insurance: Verify whether the Newberry requires proof of coverage
- Timing: The 15-month award window (June 2027–August 2028) allows flexibility to align with academic calendars
