The Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowship is an extraordinary opportunity for individuals dedicated to promoting democracy and human rights across the globe. This prestigious program, hosted by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) in Washington, D.C., provides a unique platform for democracy activists, journalists, civil society leaders, and scholars to engage in independent research and professional development. Named in honor of NED’s founders, former president Ronald Reagan and congressman Dante Fascell, this fellowship aims to support individuals who are passionate about advancing democratic principles in their home countries or regions.
Participants in the Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowship will spend five months in residence at NED’s International Forum for Democratic Studies. During this time, they will undertake projects that align with their expertise and interests, focusing on the political, social, economic, legal, or cultural aspects of democratic development. The fully funded fellowship program offers two distinct tracks: one for practitioners and another for scholars, each tailored to support the specific needs of mid-career professionals and academic researchers respectively.
The fellowship is fully funded, covering all living expenses, health insurance, and round-trip travel to and from Washington, D.C. Moreover, fellows are provided with a fully equipped office, access to a wealth of resources through NED’s Democracy Resource Center, and opportunities to engage with a global network of democracy advocates. Fellows will also participate in various seminars, roundtables, and cultural activities, enriching their experience and broadening their professional networks.
Quick Overview of Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowship 2025-26
- Host Country: United States
- Host Institution: National Endowment for Democracy (NED)
- Deadline: November 1, 2024
- Programs: Practitioner Track and Scholarly Track
- Value: Fully Funded (includes a monthly stipend, health insurance, and round-trip travel)
- Age Limit: None specified
- Eligibility: Democracy activists, journalists, civil society leaders, and scholars with substantial experience in their fields
Perks of Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowship 2025-26
- Monthly stipend to cover living expenses
- Health insurance coverage during the fellowship
- Round-trip travel to and from Washington, D.C.
- Fully equipped office space
- Access to the Democracy Resource Center
- Professional networking opportunities with democracy advocates globally
- Participation in seminars, roundtables, and cultural activities
- Assistance from research associates for project development
- Opportunity to produce a significant piece of work on democratic development
Benefits of Democracy Fellowship for International Students
- Fellows gain invaluable experience in conducting independent research, enhancing their strategies for promoting democracy and human rights.
- The professional relationships and networks established during the fellowship can lead to future collaborations and opportunities.
- The fellowship’s focus on producing a final work helps fellows solidify their expertise and contribute meaningfully to the global discourse on democracy, furthering their careers as thought leaders in the field.
Exclusions of the Democracy Fellowship in Washington D.C.
- The fellowship does not cover expenses for accompanying family members.
- Applicants who have previously participated in a Reagan-Fascell fellowship are not eligible.
- Participants cannot hold other fellowships or jobs during the fellowship period.
- The fellowship is limited to a five-month residency in Washington, D.C.
Eligibility Criteria of Fully Funded Fellowship in the US
- For Practitioners:
- Substantial experience in promoting democracy or human rights
- Mid-career professionals with practical experience
- For Scholars:
- Possession of a doctorate (Ph.D. or equivalent)
- Proven record of publications in the field of democratic development
- Developed research outline for the fellowship project
- All applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English and propose a project focused on democratic development.
Important Dates of Civil Society Leaders Fellowship in the US
- Application Deadline: November 1, 2024 (5 pm Eastern)
- Letters of Recommendation Deadline: November 8, 2024 (5 pm Eastern)
- Fellowship Start Date: October 1, 2025 (Fall Term) or March 1, 2026 (Spring Term)
How to Apply to Democracy, Human Rights and Leadership Fellowship
- Visit the Reagan-Fascell application portal and create a new account.
- Provide your applicant information and upload your project proposal.
- Request and ensure that two letters of recommendation are submitted by the deadline.
- Include your resume/CV and a brief biography.
- Carefully review your application before submitting it by the deadline.
Required Documents for Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowship 2025-26
- Applicant Information
- Project Proposal (Practitioner or Scholarly Track)
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Resume/CV
- Biography
For more details and to apply, visit the official NED Democracy Fellowship website.
