Engaged Research Grant

The Wenner-Gren Foundation’s Engaged Research Grant is a funding initiative that supports anthropological research designed in equitable collaboration with historically marginalized communities. This program specifically fosters research partnerships where community members, who have traditionally been the subjects of anthropological studies, play central roles in defining and conducting the research. The Foundation emphasizes a commitment to ethical engagement, prioritizing projects that aim to contribute meaningfully to anthropological discourse while actively addressing issues of inequality and promoting community well-being. The grant funds projects in which research questions are collaboratively developed and where interlocutors participate throughout the research lifecycle, from planning and data collection to analysis, dissemination, and public engagement. The Wenner-Gren Foundation recognizes that such projects thrive on strong, longstanding partnerships that are rooted in mutual trust and shared goals. These projects may take place in diverse settings including local communities, governmental institutions, and scientific laboratories, and are expected to yield findings that are significant for both academic audiences and community stakeholders. The program accepts applications from individuals holding a PhD in anthropology or a related field, as well as current doctoral students, without restriction on nationality or institutional affiliation. Each applicant must demonstrate a documented commitment from the community involved—such as support letters or meeting records—affirming a shared investment in the research goals. Proposals lacking this evidence or failing to include community partners as core collaborators are not considered competitive. Notably, applicants cannot simultaneously apply for other Wenner-Gren fieldwork or postdoctoral grants within the same calendar year. Applicants can request up to $25,000, with no minimum duration or mandatory match requirement. Funds may support multi-phase research designs, such as work conducted over non-consecutive periods. However, the Foundation does not cover institutional overhead or administrative fees. Projects previously declined may be resubmitted with a revised application and a statement addressing reviewer feedback. Applications are due annually on August 1 for projects beginning no earlier than April 1 of the following year. The application portal opens two months before the deadline, and final decisions are communicated approximately six months after submission. All materials, including a community commitment letter, abstract, budget, CVs, and detailed responses to six narrative prompts, must be submitted in English via the online portal. Applicants must also indicate what permits will be required, though these need not be submitted until funding is confirmed. For projects in regions subject to U.S. sanctions, additional documentation is required prior to fund disbursement. The evaluation process prioritizes proposals that demonstrate innovative partnerships, clearly articulated research frameworks, collaborative methods, and the potential for transformative impacts. The Foundation encourages applicants to draw from diverse scholarly traditions and comply with U.S. legal requirements, including OFAC regulations. For further inquiries, applicants may contact the Wenner-Gren Foundation at applications@wennergren.org or (+1) 212.683.5000.

Strong focus on longstanding equitable partnerships; meaningful community participation is essential to competitiveness.