Fellowship Applications

Each year, the New America Foundation awards up to 25 Fellowships to help outstanding individuals establish themselves as credible new voices in the nation’s public debate. Regular Fellows, who receive stipends ranging from $25,000 to $45,000, have typically shown great promise in writing for academic or popular publications, but have yet to establish themselves as leading commentators in the public discourse. Senior Fellows, who receive stipends up to $75,000, are generally well-established journalists, academics or policy analysts who wish to make bold and risky departures in their work, or who, because of the unconventionality of their thinking, lack obvious patrons. Fellowships are awarded for one year terms, and are potentially renewable.

In addition to their stipend, Fellows receive research and editorial assistance, and the opportunity to formulate their ideas within a close-knit intellectual community. Fellows also receive a range of professional development services to help them become established in their area of expertise and gain exposure via television, radio, and speaking appearances. Fellows who choose to work out of New America's Washington D.C. headquarters are provided with fully equipped office space as well as full health insurance benefits.

Given the large pool of interested candidates and the limited number of Fellowship slots available, the Foundation’s Fellowship application process is highly competitive. New America's primary criteria for evaluating candidates include: originality of thought and analytical ability; intellectual range; writing talent; and the strength of their proposed writing project. Final decisions on all Fellowship appointments rest with the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

To learn more about the application process for our California fellowships, please click here.

Application Process

Those who wish to be considered for a New America Fellowship must submit the following materials to the Foundation:

1. Biographical Information

The following information should be provided in the order listed:

• Current address, phone number, fax number, email address.
• Please indicate whether applying for residential or non-residential Fellowship. Also include the preferred start date (month and year).
• Educational background.
• Professional work experience.
• List of publications.
• Names and contact information from three individuals who can attest to professional abilities and qualifications.

2. Statement of Writing Interests

Candidates should submit a narrative of no more than 2,500 words outlining the main writing interests you wish to pursue through a New America Fellowship. Specify the ideas and questions you wish to explore, the arguments and policy proposals you wish to put forth, and how these will advance the public debate in your area of concern. Please be specific about the writing projects you wish to pursue.

3. Writing Samples

Please provide three writing samples, such as newspaper columns and op-eds, magazine articles and essays, published reports, or chapters of books. Please do not submit more than 40 pages in total.

The above requested materials should be faxed, mailed or emailed to:

Fellowship Search Committee
New America Foundation
1630 Connecticut Ave., NW, 7th Floor
Washington, DC 20009
Phone: (202) 986-2700
Fax: (202) 986-3696
E-mail: maxwell@newamerica.net

Deadlines & Restrictions

Fellowship applications are accepted on a rolling basis and Fellowship appointments are made throughout the year as positions become available. Under no circumstances should candidates contact a member of the New America Foundation's Board of Directors in relation to a fellowship application.

Any questions should be sent to info@newamerica.net.

As a matter of commitment, policy and law, the New America Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, age, lifestyle, religion, ethnic origin, political belief, disability or veteran status.