Scholarship Overview
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Program Overview
The Newberry Library Short-Term Fellowship program offers research residencies of one to two months at one of America’s premier independent research libraries in Chicago, Illinois. Fellows investigate specific collection items essential to their scholarship while participating in the Newberry’s scholarly community.
This opportunity is designed for scholars whose projects require direct access to unique materials held by the Newberry. The program emphasizes intensive, focused research rather than general study.
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Funding and Award Details
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
The Newberry does not provide housing directly. Fellows must arrange their own accommodation.
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Most awards provide one month of support. Three exceptions offer extended or flexible terms:
- Jody Enders Fellowship: 2 months (Medieval/Renaissance theater, rhetoric, or translation; preference for non-British topics)
- Frances C. Allen Fellowship: 1-2 months (female scholars who are citizens/descendants of U.S. federally recognized tribal nations or Native Hawaiian)
- Lester J. Cappon Fellowship in Documentary Editing: 1-2 months (postdoctoral scholars only; historical editing projects)
Awards can be taken up at any point during a 15-month window from June 2027 through August 2028.
Eligibility Requirements
Short-Term Fellowships are open to:
- PhD-holding scholars at any career stage
- PhD candidates with ABD (all-but-dissertation) status or equivalent
Applicants need not hold faculty positions. Curators, librarians, independent scholars, and other professionals are welcome. There are no field restrictions—projects from any discipline are eligible provided they demonstrate specific need for Newberry collection materials.
Specialized Fellowship Categories
Several fellowships have additional eligibility criteria:
- Midwest Modern Language Association Fellowship: Requires MMLA membership; literary and cultural criticism projects
- Center for Renaissance Studies Consortium Fellowships: Requires affiliation with a CRS consortium member institution; one postdoctoral and one doctoral award for medieval, Renaissance, or early modern studies
- Frances C. Allen Fellowship: Female scholars who are citizens or documented descendants of U.S. federally recognized tribal nations or Native Hawaiian individuals; preference for non-tenured women
- Susan Kelly Power and Helen Hornbeck Tanner Fellowship: Same tribal citizenship requirements as Allen Fellowship; open to all genders; 1 month only
- Lester J. Cappon Fellowship: Postdoctoral scholars only
- Anne Jacobson Schutte Fellowship: Early-career scholars preferred; early modern period (1300-1700) with preference for women’s studies, spirituality, or Venice
Who Should NOT Apply
If you do not hold a PhD or ABD status, you are ineligible for Short-Term Fellowships. Writers, artists, and independent scholars without doctoral credentials should instead apply for the Artists-in-Residence Fellowships.
Researchers from NCAIS-affiliated institutions should apply through the separate NCAIS Fellowships program. Scholars conducting research on behalf of U.S. federally recognized tribal nations should explore the Tribal Research Fellowship program.
Application Process
Applications for the 2027-28 cycle are currently open. The deadline is December 4, 2026.
For most fellowships, applicants do not designate specific awards. The Newberry matches awardees to appropriate funds based on eligibility and project fit. Exceptions requiring explicit indication on the application form:
- Frances C. Allen Fellowship
- Susan Kelly Power and Helen Hornbeck Tanner Fellowship
- Midwest Modern Language Association Fellowship
Center for Renaissance Studies Consortium Fellowships do not require opt-in—all eligible applicants from member institutions are automatically considered.
Joint Fellowship Opportunities
Newberry fellowship awardees may apply for joint fellowships with:
- Herzog August Bibliothek (Germany)
- American Trust for the British Library (United Kingdom)
Practical Considerations for African Applicants
For scholars from Zimbabwe and the SADC region, several factors warrant attention:
- Visa requirements: U.S. B-1/B-2 visitor visas are typically required for research activities. The Newberry’s invitation letter should support your visa application.
- Cost planning: The $3,000 monthly stipend must cover all expenses. Chicago’s cost of living is moderate by U.S. standards but requires careful budgeting. Short-term housing near the Newberry (Gold Coast/Near North Side) commands premium rents.
- Collection access: Confirm material availability before applying. Contact Newberry staff to verify that specific items are accessible and not restricted.
- Timing: The 15-month award window (June 2027–August 2028) allows flexibility to avoid Chicago’s harsh winters if preferred.
Contact Information
Fellowships staff:
- Sarah Mead Leonard, PhD, Associate Director
- Kira Schukar, Program Assistant
Email contact is available through the Newberry website.
Official scholarship page: https://newberry.org/research/fellowships/short-term-fellowships
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships
