The Franklin Research Grant by the American Philosophical Society (APS) is a long-standing funding program designed to support scholars in conducting essential research in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
Named in honor of Benjamin Franklin, the program helps cover costs such as travel to archives, fieldwork expenses, and necessary research materials, enabling researchers to advance their projects without the burden of personal financial strain.
These grants are awarded for noncommercial research and are ideal for scholars needing targeted funding to access libraries, archives, or laboratories crucial to their work. The APS prioritizes innovative projects that contribute to academic knowledge and encourages early-career researchers to apply.
Franklin Research Grant 2025/2026 — Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
| Funding Amount | Up to $6,500 |
| Purpose | Supports travel, research materials, fieldwork, and lab expenses for noncommercial research |
| Eligibility | Doctorate holders or equivalent scholarly output; early-career scholars encouraged; U.S. citizens, residents, and some foreign nationals eligible |
| Application Deadlines | October 1, 2025 & December 1, 2025 |
| Decision Dates | January 2026 (Oct deadline) & March 2026 (Dec deadline) |
| Grant Period | February 2026–January 2027 or April 2026–January 2027 |
| Administered By | American Philosophical Society |
Overview of the Franklin Research Grant
The Franklin Research Grant is designed to fund essential components of research projects that might otherwise be delayed or left incomplete due to financial limitations. Funds can be used for:
- Travel to archives, libraries, or field sites
- Purchasing microfilm, photocopies, or equivalent research materials
- Laboratory expenses directly tied to the project
The grant is not intended for conference attendance, publication costs, salary replacement, or permanent equipment purchases. APS also does not cover overhead or indirect institutional costs.
Special Programs Within the Franklin Research Grants
The Franklin program also connects applicants to special fellowships that can be considered alongside a grant application:
- APS/British Academy Fellowship
A postdoctoral exchange fellowship for 1–2 months of research in London archives and libraries. Covers travel between the U.S. and U.K., plus a monthly subsistence allowance. Applicants should apply through the Franklin process and indicate interest by October 1.
- American Trust for the British Library (ATBL) Fellowship
A $2,500 fellowship to conduct research at the British Library, added on to an existing short-term research grant. Applicants can apply to either the October or December deadline and indicate their interest in the ATBL Fellowship.
- APS/Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) Fellowship
A 2–4-month fellowship at the University of Edinburgh for research in the humanities or social sciences. The separate IASH application also serves as a Franklin application.
Eligibility Requirements
- Academic Level: Applicants must hold a doctorate or have published equivalent scholarly work.
- Target Group: Early-career researchers, independent scholars, and faculty at both research and non-research institutions are welcome.
- Citizenship:
- U.S. citizens and residents may use the award domestically or abroad.
- Foreign nationals affiliated with U.S. institutions may also apply.
- Foreign nationals not affiliated with U.S. institutions must use the award for research in the United States.
- Repeat Applications: Previous Franklin recipients may reapply after two years.
- Exclusions: Ph.D. candidates are not eligible.
Funding and Award Details
- Maximum Award: $6,500
- Payment: Made directly to the individual; considered taxable income.
- Grant Use Restrictions: No retroactive funding, no salary replacement, no living expenses at home, and no purchase of permanent equipment.
Application Guidelines
Applications must include:
- Apply for a Franklin Research Grant
- Completed online application form
- Detailed project description and budget justification
- Two letters of support (specific to the proposed project)
For more details, visit the official website here.
Deadlines & Decision Timeline:
| Deadline | Decision Date | Eligible Project Period |
| October 1, 2025 | January 2026 | Feb 2026 – Jan 2027 |
| December 1, 2025 | March 2026 | Apr 2026 – Jan 2027 |
Letters of Support
Letters should directly address the proposed research. APS discourages letters submitted via Interfolio due to formatting issues and content irrelevance.
Reporting Requirements
Recipients must submit:
- Project report
- Financial report
These are due one month after completing the funded work.
FAQs
Must I be a U.S. citizen to apply?
No. Foreign nationals affiliated with a U.S. institution can apply. Those without U.S. affiliation must conduct research within the United States.
Can I use the grant for conference attendance?
No. The grant is strictly for research activities, not conference travel or publication costs.
Are Ph.D. candidates eligible?
No. Applicants must hold a doctorate or have equivalent scholarly achievements.
What is the maximum funding amount?
Up to $6,500 per award.
Can I apply for multiple fellowships with one application?
Yes. You can indicate interest in the British Academy Fellowship or ATBL Fellowship within your Franklin application.
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