The Andrew Carnegie Fellows Program was established in 2015 to provide philanthropic support to extraordinary scholars and writers for high-caliber research in the humanities and social sciences. During its first eight years, nearly 250 scholars received fellowships of up to $200,000 to explore a range of important and enduring issues.
The program will award up to 30 research stipends to exceptional scholars, journalists, authors, and public intellectuals allowing fellows to devote their time to significant research. The foundation is committed developing a body of research around the root causes of political polarization. This issue is characterized by threats to free speech, the decline of civil discourse, disagreement over basic facts, and a lack of mutual understanding and collaboration.
The winning proposals approach polarization through a wide array of disciplines and methods. Projects may include:
- analyzing the causes of the increasing political divides between men and women
- assessing where Americans find common ground when it comes to their health
- understanding how partisan media, consultants, and tabloid entertainment industries are driving polarization for short-term profits
- other areas of research.
To be considered as one of Ball State’s 2 nominees, interested faculty must submit and internal application. The internal application deadline is Wednesday September 24, 2025 by 11:59PM via InfoReady.
Documents required for the internal competition include a 3-page Research Prospectus and a 3 page Curriculum Vita. Full guideline details are linked in the InfoReady portal.
The selected nominees will work with their SPA Proposal Manager to meet the final submission deadline to the Carnegie Corporation of New York in November.
Learn more about the Andrew Carnegie Fellows Program, the work of past honorees, frequently asked questions, and a historical timelineof scholarly research supported by the Corporation.