Ford Foundation Fellowship Programs
The Ford Foundation Fellowship Programs, administered by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, are designed to support individuals committed to pursuing academic careers in which diversity serves as a central resource in both teaching and research. The programs recognize scholars at multiple stages of their academic journeys, offering fellowship opportunities at the predoctoral, dissertation, and postdoctoral levels. Recipients receive stipends and allowances intended to allow them to concentrate fully on their scholarly work, and because the award is a fellowship rather than a loan, no repayment is required.
Selection is highly competitive and grounded in assessments of scholarly merit and demonstrated potential. Meeting the basic eligibility criteria does not guarantee an award, and the pool of applicants is consistently strong. Candidates are evaluated on the depth and promise of their academic work and their commitment to diversity in higher education.
Applications are submitted directly through the official National Academies program at no cost to the applicant. No outside service, consultant, or third party can legitimately guarantee a fellowship outcome or should charge a fee to assist with the application process. Candidates should apply only through official channels and treat any solicitation promising guaranteed results with serious skepticism.
For scholars exploring this opportunity, an honest assessment of qualifications, a carefully prepared application, and realistic expectations represent the most productive approach to the process.
Avoid grant scams
Legitimate grants are free to apply for. Walk away from anyone who:
- guarantees you a grant, or says you were 'selected' for money you never applied for;
- charges an upfront 'processing', 'application', or 'grant kit' fee;
- asks for your bank-account or card number to 'deposit' a grant;
- pressures you to act immediately.
Verify any program directly at its official .gov site, and report fraud at reportfraud.ftc.gov. More on our grant-scam awareness page.
Official sources: National Academies — Ford Foundation Fellowship Programs. This page is educational information, not financial or legal advice; grants are competitive and never guaranteed. See our sources & how-we-work policy.
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for ford foundation fellowship programs?
Students and scholars committed to academic careers and to diversity in higher education, at the predoctoral, dissertation, and postdoctoral levels. Open to women and men alike..
Does ford foundation fellowship programs have to be repaid?
This is fellowship (not repaid). Loans must be repaid, usually with interest.
Is there a fee to apply?
No. Applying for legitimate funding is free. Anyone charging a fee to 'get you a grant' is a scam — see our scam-awareness page.
How do I apply for ford foundation fellowship programs?
Apply through the National Academies' fellowship program; details at nationalacademies.org.
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