Listen to Acton content on the go by downloading the Radio Free Acton podcast! Listen Now

Acton Annual Dinner 2024 Mobile Banner

Acton Institute Logo

Academic Grants and Awards

Calihan Academic Grants

About

The Calihan Academic Grants provide financial assistance to scholars and graduate students whose academic work shows outstanding potential to advance understanding in the relationship between theology and the principles of the free and virtuous society. Such principles include recognition of human dignity, the importance of the rule of law, limited government, religious liberty, freedom in economic life, as well as the importance of the humanities and culture. Scholars currently studying theology, philosophy, history, law, politics, economics, or related fields whose work demonstrates this potential are eligible to apply.
 

Grants can be utilized to facilitate research or for travel to present papers at academic conferences.

Deadlines

Grant applications will be reviewed and awarded, funding permitting, on a quarterly basis. The current application period (Quarter 4) is open. Apply now

Eligibility

  • Grants are open to scholars and students in theology, philosophy, religion, history, law, politics, economics, or related fields.
  • Strong academic performance is essential.
  • Candidates must have a demonstrated interest in the themes of the Acton Institute.
  • Candidates must display the potential to advance the themes of the Acton Institute.
  • Grants are open to all qualified persons irrespective of race, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, citizenship, religious affiliation, or disability.

Details

Selection Process
Each quarter, applications are reviewed and recipients selected by the research staff of the Acton Institute. Award decisions by the Acton Institute are final and not subject to appeal.


Agreement
Recipients must respond to an award notification within two weeks and adhere to the grant conditions listed below.


Grant Amounts
Calihan Academic Grants are typically USD $500.


Duration
Academic Grants are not renewable but all applicants are eligible to re-apply provided their reapplication occurs no earlier than one calendar year from their prior application.
 

Requirements

Completed application and following documentation:


•    1-page proposal that outlines what you intend to accomplish with this grant. Upload in application form.

•    2-page essay that describes your intellectual development, future plans, and career goals. This statement should elaborate on the source and development of your interest in the ideas listed above, including how you expect to contribute to a better understanding and application of these ideas. Upload in application form.

•    A recent academic paper you have already written relevant to the themes promoted by the Acton Institute. If it is not in English, please provide an English abstract or summary. Upload in application form.

•    Official or unofficial transcripts from your most recent university. Notarized copies are also acceptable. Upload in application form or email to [email protected].

More Information

 

Legal

All qualified individuals will be considered for the Calihan Academic Grant program without regard to race, sex, national or ethnic origin, citizenship, religious affiliation, or disability. Award decisions by the Acton Institute are final and are not subject to appeal. Recipients must comply with any applicable tax regulations.

 
 

Submission

The application form and supplemental documentation should be completed online. Any documentation that cannot be uploaded, should be emailed to Grants-Awards. All application materials should be submitted in English.

 
 

Selectivity

Calihan Academic Grants are typically not extended to those students who are not scholars or future religious leaders, or whose work is not connected to the mission of the Acton Institute. Those students whose work is closely tied to that of the Acton Institute have a greater likelihood of receiving an Academic Grant.

 
 

Performance Assessment

Like the vast majority of universities, award programs, and research institutes, the Acton Institute does not enter into discussions with unsuccessful applicants concerning the particular reasons for their denial.

 
 

Visa Application (if applicable)

Applying for or receiving a grant does not guarantee that you will be provided with a travel visa. Nor should an award notification be used as a substitute for a visa for entry into another country. You may, however, use a grant letter as a supporting reference in applying for the appropriate visa from the relevant consulate or embassy.

 
 

Supplemental Funding

The Calihan Academic Grants are designed to be supplemental in nature. As such, when planning educational financing, we encourage applicants to secure multiple sources of funding.

 
 

Limited Funding

Since this is a highly competitive program in which many worthy applicants participate, no one should presume funding. We attempt to be as generous as possible in making awards, but also must convey that funds are limited and demand is high.

 
 

Communication

All award decisions are communicated via e-mail from Grants-Awards.

 

Apply Now

Applications for Quarter 4 are currently open. Apply now