Open Society Fellowship

Deadline: 1 August 2011
Open to: journalists, activists, academics, and policy practitioners from around the world
Fellowship: $80,000 or $100,000 (for fellows based in USA), for fellows based elsewhere, appropriate adjustments will be made

The Open Society Fellowship supports individuals seeking innovative and unconventional approaches to fundamental open society challenges. The fellowship funds work that will enrich public understanding of those challenges and stimulate far-reaching and probing conversations within the Open Society Foundations and in the world.

In evaluating each proposal, the selection committee weighs three factors: the applicant, the topic of the project, and the work product.

Eligibility

The Open Society Fellowship chooses its fellows from a diverse pool of applicants that includes journalists, activists, academics, and practitioners in a variety of fields. Applicants should possess a deep understanding of their chosen subject area and a track record of professional accomplishment.

The fellowship considers applicants from all parts of the world. Most fellows spend a portion of their term in one or more Open Society Foundation offices. Fellows may work out of multiple offices during their term.

The Topic of the Project

The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and tolerant democracies whose governments are accountable to their citizens. Among the Foundations’  core areas of concern are human rights, government transparency, the promotion of civil society and social inclusion. Project themes should cut across these areas of interest. Applicants are encouraged to explore this website to acquaint themselves with the panoply of themes and geographic areas that fall within the Foundations’ purview. Below are some possible topic areas that fellows may explore in the coming years:

  • Global migration and the rights of displaced minorities
  • Organized crime, corruption, and state failure
  • The economic crisis and its effect on open societies
  • Movement-building and state repression in societies affected by climate change
  • The impact of new technologies on citizen access to information and justice
  • The link between governance, transparency, and economic development.

Fellows may produce a variety of work products, including publications such as books, reports, or blogs; innovative public-education projects; or the launch of new campaigns or organizations. They may also engage in activities such as hosting panel discussions, traveling to conferences, participating in policy debates, and aggressively promoting their ideas in public venues.

Fellowship

Full-time fellows based in the United States will receive a stipend of $80,000 or $100,000, depending on work experience, seniority, and current income. Stipends will be prorated for part-time fellows. For fellows based elsewhere, appropriate adjustments will be made to reflect the  cost of living in those countries. The stipend does not necessarily equal the applicant’s current salary. In certain cases, fellows will receive additional financial support to enable them to meet the residency expectation.

Application

All interested applicants should complete the online application form and submit supporting materials for consideration. Please read the FAQs before applying. Applicants may submit a project proposal or other materials in a language other than English, as long as they also submit an English translation. Certified translations are strongly recommended.

Once the initial information has been entered, applicants receive login details and an ID number that allows them to make additions and revisions to the form until materials are submitted. The ID number should be quoted in any correspondence.

The deadline is August 1, 2011. Applications will be evaluated by November 21, 2011.

The Official Website

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