APS Franklin Research Grant Program Applications
American Philosophical Society encourages all interested to submit applications for the Franklin Research Grant Program at one of the upcoming two deadlines.
Since 1933 the American Philosophical Society has awarded small grants to scholars in order to support the cost of research leading to publication in all areas of knowledge. In 2025–2026 the Franklin Research Grants program awarded nearly $675,000 to 113 scholars, and the Society expects to make a similar number of awards in this year’s competition. The Franklin program is particularly designed to help meet the costs of travel to libraries and archives for research purposes; the purchase of microfilm, photocopies, or equivalent research materials; the costs associated with fieldwork; or laboratory research expenses.
Applicants are expected to have a doctorate or to have published work of doctoral character and quality. Ph.D. candidates are not eligible to apply, but the Society is particularly interested in supporting the work of young scholars who have recently received the doctorate. Independent scholars and faculty members at all four-year and two-year research and non-research institutions are welcome to apply provided that all eligibility guidelines are met. American citizens and residents of the United States may use their Franklin awards at home or abroad. Foreign nationals not affiliated with a U.S. institution must use their Franklin awards for research in the United States.
The deadline to request funding for work to commence in February 2027 or after is October 1. This deadline includes the opportunity to apply for the APS/British Academy Fellowship and for top-off funding from the American Trust for the British Library.
The program’s second deadline, for work to commence in April 2027 or after, is December 1. Applications for the joint APS/Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities Fellowship for Research in Edinburgh are to be submitted to the IASH by February 26, 2027, and will be considered with the December Franklin applications.
The basic program information follows, and we are more than happy to answer any questions. Note that applicants who have previously received a Franklin grant may reapply after an interval of two years (e.g., if one applied in 2024 and received an award to be used in 2025, one may apply again in 2026).
Application deadlines
October 1, for a January 2027 decision for work beginning February 2027 through January 2028
December 1, for a March 2027 decision for work beginning April 2027 through January 2028
Additional information, including the application forms and instructions, is available at the American Philosophical Society’s website: http://www.amphilsoc.org/grants/franklin as well as by contacting Linda Musumeci, Director of Grants and Fellowships, at LMusumeci@amphilsoc.org or 215-440-3429.
Funding is offered up to a maximum of $7,000. Grants are not retroactive.
Thank you very much for your continued interest in our program!