About Our Fellowships
Our fellowship programs helps writers, community scholars, educators, and university faculty members uncover stories about Virginia’s history and culture. Since 1974, we’ve awarded almost 400 fellowships for projects that help Virginians better understand the state, Virginia’s role in the world, and each other.
We currently offer three fellowship opportunities: Public Humanities Fellowships; Virginia HBCU Scholars Fellowships; and K–12 Educator Fellowships.
Pictured: 2022–23 Public Humanities Fellows Abraham Gibson (left) and William Gibson (right). Photo by Nina Wilder/Virginia Humanities
Public Humanities Fellowships
Our Public Humanities Fellowships help writers, independent scholars, community historians, and college and university faculty members share meaningful research, stories, and cultural expressions that are relevant to Virginia’s diverse communities and that connect audiences to wider regional, national, and global contexts.
Virginia HBCU Scholars Fellowships
The Virginia HBCU Scholars Fellowship funds the humanities research of scholars affiliated with Virginia’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in service of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) heritage, stories, and communities. The fellowships are made possible by a major grant from the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation built on their long record of support for HBCUs.
K-12 Educator Fellowships
Our K-12 Educator Fellowships support educators from all around Virginia who are committed to teaching the humanities for primary and secondary school students. Our use of the term “educator” encompasses anyone who is committed to creating inclusive learning experiences in a K-12 classroom.
Other Funding Opportunities
Grants
Our grants support projects that explore the stories of Virginia—its history, people, communities, and cultural traditions—as well as issues and questions that impact the lives of Virginians in the present day.
Sponsorships
- Accepted on a rolling basis; reviewed monthly
- Provides funding for single or multi-day events with a strong humanities focus
- Awards up to $2,000
Folklife Apprenticeships
The Virginia Folklife Program invites people who are experienced in a cultural tradition to consider teaching another community member through the Folklife Apprenticeship Program. We provide funding for an artist who is considered a master of a tradition to train an apprentice of their choosing.
