Fellowship requirements and deadlines

Who should apply to the Nathan Cummings Foundation (NCF) Fellowship?

NCF welcomes a diverse pool of applicants representing practitioners in a variety of fields, who are emergent in their career and/or work. Applicants should demonstrate a deep understanding and clear analysis of the field in which they work. They should also have a history of success in this field but still be positioned to benefit from the foundation’ support. Visit our website to get to know our current and past fellows.

What topic(s) should fellowship proposals align with?

The topic of a fellow’s project should generally align with the major challenges NCF seeks to address – climate change and inequality – and aim to transform the systems and mindsets that hinder progress toward a more sustainable and equitable future for all people, particularly women and people of color. The foundation is interested in innovative efforts that intersect across these issues.

When are applications due?

Applications for the 2021-2022 fellowship cohort are now closed. Please check our website and subscribe to our newsletter for updates regarding the fellowship.

How long is the review process?

Fellows will be selected within eight months of the application deadline.

When does the NCF Fellowship term begin and end?

Fellows selected in April 2021 will begin the fellowship term in June 2021. The program runs through December 2022.

Do I have to be a U.S. resident or citizen to be a Fellow?

Yes. Only U.S. residents or citizens whose projects are focused on work within the U.S. and Puerto Rico are eligible for the Fellowship at this time.

Is residency in New York City mandatory for applying for the Fellowship?

No. Residency in New York is not an eligibility requirement for the fellowship term. However, fellows will be required to attend three fellowship residency weeks.

Can I reapply for the NCF Fellowship?

Yes. NCF welcomes and encourages all applicants with inspiring and innovative ideas to apply here.

Can multiple members of a group or organization apply to the fellowship program for the same project?

No. The fellowship program is an opportunity for individuals. Multiple submissions for the same project will not be considered. Please note that while someone is a fellow, any organization(s) employing them is not eligible for a grant from NCF until the fellowship’s completion.

Would I need to leave my current job for the fellowship?

The NCF Fellowship is intended to be a full-time pursuit for the term of the fellowship. However, we encourage all interested individuals to apply for the fellowship. If this expectation poses a significant barrier to the selected fellows, we will discuss potential alternative options on an individual basis.

Fellowship Program Details

What does the fellowship award cover?

The fellowship stipend (up to $150,000) covers costs associated with the project, including but not limited to, living expenses, travel, website development, research, and conference fees. Budget specifics will be negotiated with fellowship recipients.

How long of a commitment is the NCF Fellowship?

The fellowship term is a commitment of up to 18 months.

 What does “up to” $150,000 and 18 months mean?

The NCF Fellowship awards an initial 12-month investment of $100,000. Upon successful completion of the first 12 months, an additional $50,000 award will be disbursed.

What obligations will the fellowship recipient have to NCF?

The main responsibility of fellows is to develop the various aspects of their proposed project. Fellows may also be asked to provide thought leadership on various institutional priorities, host meetings on the project’s topic; and participate in board meetings, fellowship alumni activities, and other events of the foundation.

Will Fellows be able to work with NCF grantee organizations if it relates to their project?

Yes, as long as the project benefits our grantee partners and is not unduly burdensome. Each fellow will work closely with the NCF Fellowship Team to determine the best way to make those connections.

Do fellows have access to NCF benefits?

The foundation does not provide health insurance or other benefits to fellows.

Is there an opportunity to continue at NCF after the fellowship?

The fellowship does not lead to a paid staff position at NCF after the fellowship term.

Application Process

Do I need to answer all of the questions on the application form?

Please answer all of the required questions (indicated with an asterisk). If you are proposing an existing piece of work, please tailor documents to answer our specific questions.

What web browser should be used to complete the NCF Fellowship application?

For optimal results, we recommend applicants use the most recent version of Chrome, Safari, or Edge. Do not use Internet Explorer or Private Firefox. These interfaces are not compatible with the NCF application portal.

How can I gain access to the application once I have completed the registration form?

If you have completed the registration form, please check your email inbox and spam folder to retrieve the registration confirmation email. Once you click the registration confirmation link, you will be able to return to the application portal to begin an application.

What should I do if I would like to read more text in the application question fields?

Expand your view by dragging the edge of the window in the lower right corner. You will be able to view up to six lines at once.

How can I gain access to the budget template located in the application?

Depending on your internet browser, the budget template may not appear in the view finder. Please click the download button to complete the form and reattach the saved document to the application.

What letters of recommendation should I submit? Do you want our references to email you directly?

Do not submit letters of recommendation or ask references to email us. Please fill out the application and we will contact you at the appropriate time if references are required.

Can I provide supplementary materials with my application, such as a dissertation, article or video?

There are three fields in the application that can be used to provide supplemental information that will provide a holistic view of your project or leadership capability. Attach each supplemental document as a link.

What resources are available to support me throughout the application process?

Before beginning the application, please review the Guidelines and FAQs listed on the NCF website.

For a detailed tutorial of the application registration process, review the application registration guide video.

For a detailed tutorial of the application process, review the application guide video.

Contact Information

Who can I contact if I have questions about my fellowship application submission?

If you have a content-related question, contact Fellowship@nathancummings.org. When possible, please provide the Fellowship application reference number.

If your question is related to technical support, contact help@nathancummings.org and copy fellowship@nathancummings.org.

We value all questions and will do our best to answer as soon as possible. However, please allow 48 hours for a reply.