Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program 2027-2028: Fully-Funded Fellowship Opportunity

The Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program is accepting applications for its 2027-2028 cycle. This international exchange program offers democracy activists, journalists, civil society leaders, and scholars a five-month residency in Washington, D.C., to conduct independent research on democracy. The program is fully funded and aims to support individuals working to advance democratic development globally.

Application Closing Date: January 5, 2027
Location: Washington, D.C., USA
Programme Duration: 5 months
Stipend: Monthly stipend for living expenses, basic health insurance, and roundtrip travel
Minimum Qualification: Doctorate (Ph.D. or equivalent) for scholarly track; substantial practical experience for practitioner track
Opportunity Type: Fellowship

About the Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program

The Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program, named after NED’s founders, is a prestigious international exchange program. It provides a platform for individuals dedicated to democratic values and practices to deepen their understanding and contribute to global democratic development. The program is hosted by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) within its International Forum for Democratic Studies.

This fellowship offers a unique opportunity for participants to engage in focused research and professional development. It fosters a collegial environment where fellows can exchange ideas, reflect on their experiences, and build professional relationships. The program supports both practitioners working on the ground and scholars conducting in-depth research.

The program’s focus is on the political, social, economic, legal, or cultural aspects of democratic development. Participants are expected to produce a written or audiovisual product related to their research project. The fellowship concludes with a formal presentation of their work.

About the National Endowment for Democracy (NED)

The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) is a private, non-profit organization that supports freedom and democracy worldwide. It was established in 1983 to strengthen democratic institutions and promote democratic values in countries around the world. NED works through grants to non-governmental organizations and provides a platform for dialogue and exchange.

NED’s work spans various sectors, including political participation, independent media, rule of law, and human rights. The International Forum for Democratic Studies, which hosts the Reagan-Fascell program, serves as a leading center for analysis of global democratic trends and challenges.

Fellowship Tracks

The Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program offers two distinct tracks to accommodate different professional backgrounds and research interests:

• Practitioner Track: This track is designed for individuals with substantial practical experience in promoting democracy or human rights in their home countries. While there are no specific degree requirements, applicants are typically mid-career professionals with several years of experience. Examples include human rights advocates, civil society leaders, journalists, and labor union activists.
• Scholarly Track: This track is for distinguished scholars from the United States and other established democracies. Applicants must possess a doctorate (Ph.D. or academic equivalent) at the time of application, have a proven record of publications, and a detailed research outline for their fellowship project.

What the Fellowship Offers

Successful applicants to the Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program receive a comprehensive package of support and benefits designed to facilitate their research and professional growth:

• Monthly Stipend: A stipend is provided to cover living expenses in Washington, D.C.
• Health Insurance: Basic health insurance is included for the duration of the fellowship.
• Travel Support: Roundtrip travel to and from Washington, D.C., is covered.
• Office Space: Fellows are provided with a fully equipped office.
• Research Support: Access to the Democracy Resource Center, which houses a vast collection of works on democracy, is available. Research associates are also assigned to provide critical support for projects.
• Networking Opportunities: The program facilitates interaction with a global network of democracy advocates, as well as engagement with governmental, non-governmental, academic, and media communities.
• Program Activities: Fellows participate in seminars, roundtables, and field trips designed to enhance their knowledge of democratic developments.

Programme Duration and Location

The fellowship program has a duration of five months and is based in Washington, D.C., USA. Fellows are required to be in residence at the National Endowment for Democracy during this period.

Minimum Requirements

All applicants must meet the following general requirements:

• Demonstrate proficiency in the English language.
• Propose a project focusing on the political, social, economic, legal, or cultural aspects of democratic development.
• Be available to work in residence at the International Forum for Democratic Studies in Washington, D.C., for the entire five-month fellowship period.
• Cannot hold other fellowships or jobs during the program.
• Must not have participated in a J-1 research scholar program within the 24 months prior to the fellowship.

Practitioner Track Specific Requirements:

• Substantial practical experience working to promote democracy or human rights in their country of origin or interest.
• Typically mid-career professionals.

Scholarly Track Specific Requirements:

• Possess a doctorate (Ph.D., or academic equivalent) at the time of application.
• Have a proven record of publications in their field.
• Have developed a detailed research outline for their fellowship project.

Former Reagan-Fascell fellows are not eligible for repeat fellowships.

Competencies Required

While not explicitly listed as formal requirements, successful candidates typically demonstrate:

• Strong analytical and research skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities in English.
• A deep commitment to democratic principles and human rights.
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Adaptability and openness to new ideas and perspectives.
• A willingness to engage with diverse groups and cultures.

Who Should Apply?

This fellowship is ideal for dedicated individuals who are actively involved in promoting democracy and human rights. It suits those who wish to conduct in-depth research or enhance their practical strategies for democratic change. Whether you are a seasoned activist seeking to refine your approach or a scholar aiming to contribute new insights to the field of democracy studies, this program offers a valuable opportunity for growth and impact.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare the following documents for their application:

• Applicant information form.
• A detailed project proposal for either the practitioner or scholarly fellowship track.
• Letters of recommendation.
• Resume/CV and Biography.

How to Apply

Interested individuals can apply for the Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program by visiting the official application portal.

Click here to apply for the Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program 2027-2028.

Applicants should ensure they have all required documents ready before starting the online application. Carefully review the project proposal guidelines for the chosen track.

For more detailed information, visit the official program page: Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program.

Important Notes

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Applicants must be available for the full five-month residency in Washington, D.C.
• U.S. law requires J-1 visa holders to return to their home country for two years after the fellowship.
• Fellows who wish to bring family members will be responsible for their dependents’ travel and living costs.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications for the Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program 2027-2028 is January 5, 2027.

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