What is the independent practitioner Fellowship?
The Independent Practitioner Fellowship supports practitioners in their individual work with the goal of strengthening and enriching the humanities community in our city. Additionally, this program provides resources to individuals who do not always have the opportunity to engage in the humanities as a career or passion. We are looking for individuals who are independently pursuing humanities-based projects with the goal of strengthening and enriching the humanities community in our city.
The Independent Practitioner Fellowship provides support to public humanities practitioners whose voices and perspectives strengthen the humanities landscape in Washington, DC.
Fellows receive a $10,000 award and meet monthly as a cohort for professional development and peer support opportunities. The Fellowship lasts for 10 months, and the award is disbursed monthly. Fellows will have the opportunity to contribute to HumanitiesDC programs that are relevant to their areas of interest, and their work will be promoted and celebrated at the end of the Fellowship.
Program Resources
Independent Practitioner Fellowship RFP
Link to Foundant (to complete and submit application)
Fellowship Resources
2025 Independent Practitioner Fellowship RFP
Link to Foundant (to complete and submit application)
2025 Independent Practitioner Fellowship Application Questions
2025 Independent Practitioner Fellowship Informational Session Slide Deck
2025 Independent Practitioner Fellowship
More Details
- Application deadline was January 20, 2025 at 11:59 pm. Applications will open again in 2026.
- Target Audience: DC residents working in the humanities. Projects in the ideation and research phase are welcome.
- Fellowship Period: March 10, 2025—January 2, 2026.
Overview Sessions
This virtual information session provides an overview of the fellowship opportunity.
The recording can be viewed here.
OFFICE HOURS
Still have questions? Meet with the Fellowship team to have your questions answered. These 20-minute sessions are a great opportunity to discuss eligibility, learn more about the fellowship requirements, or get assistance with the application. Click here to schedule an appointment.
HumanitiesDC will be closed for Winter Break from December 23 to January 1. Inquiries received during this time will be addressed promptly upon our return.
How To apply
Applications and other resources can be found under the Program Resources section at the top of this page.
2024 Independent Practitioner Fellows
District Fellowship
HumanitiesDC created the District Fellowship to support early-career humanists, historians and non-profit professionals who currently reside in the DC area. This program is meant to provide fellows with hands-on experience, professional development, and opportunities to lead their own projects or initiatives within program areas. Fellows work side-by-side with HumanitiesDC staff, receive coaching and get increased exposure to the DC humanities community. Selected annually, fellows take on 9-month roles where they work closely with the HumanitiesDC team, supporting the organization’s work as well as focusing on a related individual project that is completed by the conclusion of the fellowship.
Applications will be accepted and reviewed on an ongoing basis. For best consideration, applications for the Community Engagement + Communications Fellowship should be received by November 30, 2024. Applications for DC Oral History Collaborative Fellow and Community Grants Fellow should be received by February 28, 2025. Search will remain open until filled.
Notice: We have paused our search for a Community Grants Fellow as we face budget uncertainties based on recent federal announcements. Sign up for our newsletter for all updates concerning this role.
District Fellows – DC Oral History Collaborative
Application Deadline: February 28, 2025
Due to receiving sufficient, qualified applicants, this position is now closed.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
HumanitiesDC has a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and strongly encourages applications from candidates who identify as Black, Latino/a/x, or other people of color. Employment decisions are based upon one’s qualifications and capabilities to perform essential functions of a particular job. All opportunities are provided without regard to race, religion, gender, sexual identity, family status, pregnancy-related medical conditions, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.