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Fellowships and grants, what are they?
Fellowships and grants can be great methods for career advancement, knowledge development, and professional exposure.
They are both merit-based funding opportunities that last for a fixed time. This can be anything from a few days to several years.
They are sponsored by specific organisations, institutions, associations, or governments and awarded to individuals or organisations to support educational, professional, or community projects and initiatives.
Fellowships and grants can be provided for activities that include:
Independent or collaborative research projects.
Educational programs at high school to post-graduate levels.
Professional training in specific fields.
Community-based programs that solve specific problems.
The primary difference between these 2 funding methods is that fellowships support individuals, while grants support projects (run by individuals or organisations). This distinction determines how the awarded funds can be used. Fellowships typically cover living expenses, tuition, and fees. They may also include professional development, mentorship, and networking. Grants on the other hand are typically awarded to fund the direct costs associated with a specific project or activity, with no additional benefits.
Who can apply for fellowships and grants?
The availability of fellowships and grants extends beyond academia, encompassing possibilities for NGOs, companies, startups, and individuals. This means that students (high school to postgraduate), early- to mid-career professionals, entrepreneurs, businesses and charities across diverse industries can find funding opportunities.
It must be noted that some programs are institution-specific, requiring enrollment at particular universities or employment with designated organisations. While others are mission-driven, focusing on specific fields of study, or host countries.
The best news! Many fellowships and grants are open to global applicants, and an increasing number are run remotely.
How to apply for fellowships and grants
The application process for fellowships and grants might seem daunting, but it can be surprisingly straightforward. Many opportunities offer a streamlined approach, with free online forms that simplify submission. Note that fees may apply in some cases.
Here's a breakdown of what to expect for most fellowship and grant applications:
Applicant Information - Basic information and proof of meeting eligibility requirements.
Project proposal or research plan - Summary, methodology, timeline and budget details.
Supporting documents - CV or resume, transcripts, and work samples.
Letters of recommendation - 1 to 2 career or character references.
Additional information - Diversity and inclusion statements.
8 websites for international fellowships and grants
The following list provides a selection of websites that offer global funding opportunities. Some are directories with details of hundreds of opportunities from different organisations, whilst others are institutional resources detailing opportunities supported by a single governing body.
Funds for NGOs: https://www2.fundsforngos.org/category/fellowships
Advance-Africa: https://www.advance-africa.com/Grants-for-NGOs-and-Organisations.html
Social Science Research Council (USA): https://www.ssrc.org/how-we-work/fellowships/
UK Research and Innovation: https://www.ukri.org/apply-for-funding/our-fellowship-opportunities/
Fogarty International Center: https://www.fic.nih.gov/Funding/NonNIH?type=predoctoral
European Commission: https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/fellowships-and-individual-research-grants_en
To maximise your chances of securing a fellowship or grant, it is advisable to go through each website thoroughly. Don't be discouraged by section titles, eg., don't ignore opportunities that are listed for NGOs when you are an individual, as many such programs offer individual career development opportunities.
Quick tip: If you come across a great opportunity with a past deadline, don't overlook it.
Instead, research its recurrence, as many programs operate in yearly cycles, so you can prepare yourself for the next submission. Leverage calendar reminders like Google Calendar in such instances to stay organised.
Don't let fear hold you back
Writing personal statements, and proposals, and compiling work samples can pose the biggest challenges in fellowship and grant applications.
My advice is to not let fear hold you back, remember that the goal of an application is to communicate your suitability for a program and back it up with relevant experience.
If you lack work examples, make some as I advise here; and if you struggle with the writing aspect of your applications, leverage online resources as I describe here, or consider commissioning a technical writer. At The Virtual Strategist, we offer suitable proposal writing and career guidance services.
Finally, remember that the more you apply for opportunities, the better you get at it. The repetition improves your ability to articulate your goals and interests, refining your application materials. With many opportunities allowing reapplication, the chances of securing a good program within time increase if you stay resolute.
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