Inter-American Foundation (IAF) Grassroots Development Fellowship Program

15 grantees in 7 different countries (2011-2012 cycle)
Since the fellowship’s inception, 68 grantees in 16 different countries in Latin America and the Caribbean
Fellows comes from 37 different universities in the U.S.
IAF fellows do their work in 18 broad fields of study (e.g.; sociology, anthropology, political science)

2013-2014 IAF Fellowship

The deadline for the 2012-2013 fellowship cycle is now CLOSED. The IAF Grassroots Development Ph.D. Fellowship Program will announce the deadline for the 2013-2014 competition in Fall 2012. Be sure to add your name to our mailing list to receive the most current deadline information.

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IAF Fellows

IAF Fellows do their research all over Latin America and the Caribbean. Click on the link to see an interactive map showing where past fellows have done their research.

See the map
Focus: Women Grassroots Leaders

The most recent journal of the Inter-American Foundation is now available for downloading.

Read the article (PDF)
IAF Grassroots Development Fellowship

The IAF Grassroots Development Ph.D. Fellowship Program provides support for dissertation field research in Latin America and the Caribbean undertaken by students who have advanced to candidacy for a Ph.D. from a university in the United States.
2011 MYC

Antigua, Guatemala

Inter-American Foundation Journal

Volume 31 of Grassroots Development, the journal of the Inter-American Foundation, included an article on the history of the IAF’s Fellowship Programs. Volume 32 of Grassroots Development includes articles by two former Fellows.

Read the article on the fellowship programs (262 KB, PDF)

Volume 31 - Fall 2010 (4.3 MB, PDF)

Volume 32 - Fall 2011 (5.2 MB, PDF)

You may also view the 2011 IAF Annual Report.

Go to IAF publications

Who is eligible?

Ph.D. candidates who are currently enrolled at a U.S. university and are citizens of the United States or of an independent country in Latin America or the Caribbean, except Cuba, may apply. Before beginning research funded under the IAF Fellowship, students must have advanced to candidacy for a Ph.D. in the social sciences, physical sciences, technical fields or other disciplines as related to grassroots development issues in Latin America or the Caribbean

Learn more about eligibility requirements

Where are programs administered?

Fellowships provide support for field research in independent countries in Latin America or the Caribbean, except for Cuba. Proposals for field research in Puerto Rico or the Dutch, French and British territories are not accepted.

What is the Inter-American Foundation?

The Inter-American Foundation (IAF) was created in 1969 by the United States Congress to fund the self-help initiatives of the organized poor in Latin America and the Caribbean and the groups that directly support them. The IAF disseminates research findings of its Fellows to a broad audience concerned with development. The IIE has partnered with the IAF to administer its Grassroots Development Fellowship Program.

Learn more about the Inter-American Foundation

What is included?

Fellowship awards include a research allowance of up to $3,000; a $1,500 monthly stipend for a period from between four to 12 months, international round trip transportation to the research site, health insurance and attendance at a mandatory mid-year conference.

Learn more about award benefits

Application Deadline: DEADLINE FOR 2012-2013 Cycle has PASSED.

Deadline information for the 2013-2014 grant cycle will be posted in the fall.

Read more about application submission procedure
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Announcement: 2011 - 2012 Grantees Selected
Grantees for the 2012-2013 cycle will be announced in the spring.

Read the press release
Announcement: 2013 Research
The 2013-2014 cycle of fellows must begin their IAF-supported research between
June 1, 2013 and May 31, 2014. Information and deadlines are posted in the fall.