NED Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program 2026-2027

The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) is now accepting applications for the Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program for the academic year 2026-2027.

📖 About the Program

The program offers five-month fellowships for:

• Practitioners: To improve strategies and techniques for building democracy abroad.
• Scholars: To conduct original research for publication.

Key Activities During the Fellowship:

• Reflect on experiences and engage with counterparts.
• Conduct research and writing.
• Consider best practices and lessons learned.
• Develop professional relationships within a global network of democracy advocates.
• Complete a written or audiovisual product related to the proposed research project.
• Deliver a formal presentation focusing on research or democracy-related topics.

🎁 Benefits of the Fellowship

Financial Support

• Monthly stipend to cover living expenses.
• Basic health insurance provided.
• Roundtrip travel to and from Washington, D.C. at the start and end of the fellowship.
• Stipend covers short-term furnished rental, food, local transport, and necessities.

Professional Resources

• Fully equipped office space at NED.
• Limited budget for professional travel within the U.S. and long-distance calls.
• Access to the Democracy Resource Center, which houses ~20,000 works on democracy (books, journals, reports).

Research & Networking

• Assigned research associates to support fellows with projects, writing, and presentations.
• Opportunities to engage with governmental, nongovernmental, academic, and media communities in Washington, D.C.
• Participation in seminars, roundtables, and field trips to deepen knowledge and build networks.

Social & Cultural Activities

• Informal activities such as trips to sporting events, museums, movies, and happy hours.
• Promotes collegiality and community among fellows.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

General Requirements:

• Demonstrate proficiency in the English language.
• Propose a project focusing on the political, social, economic, legal, or cultural aspects of democratic development.
• Be available to work in residence at the International Forum for Democratic Studies in Washington, D.C. during the 5-month fellowship period:
  • October 1 – February 28 or March 1 – July 31.
• No other fellowships or jobs may be held during this period.

For Practitioners:

• Substantial practical experience working to promote democracy or human rights in their country of origin or interest.
• Be mid-career professionals.

For Scholars:

• Possess a doctorate (Ph.D. or equivalent) at the time of application.
• Proven record of publications in their field.
• Developed a detailed research outline for the fellowship project.

📝 Application Process

To apply, you must first create an account through an online portal. Once the account is set up, the application process requires the following materials:

1. Applicant information.
2. Project proposal for the practitioner or scholarly fellowship track.
3. Letters of recommendation.
4. Resume/CV and Biography.

Note: All application materials must be submitted in English.

📅 Application Deadline

• 31 December 2025

🌐 Application Portal

• View details of the NED Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program.
• Apply directly via the NED Fellowship Application Portal.

This fellowship is a unique opportunity to contribute to the global advancement of democracy while engaging with a vibrant community of scholars and practitioners in Washington, D.C. Don't miss the chance to apply!

Financial Support

• Monthly stipend to cover living expenses.
• Basic health insurance provided.
• Roundtrip travel to and from Washington, D.C. at the start and end of the fellowship.
• Stipend is calculated to cover a short-term furnished rental, food, local transport, and necessities.

Professional Resources

• Fully equipped office space at NED.
• Limited budget for professional travel within the U.S. and long-distance calls.
• Access to the Democracy Resource Center, housing ~20,000 works on democracy (books, journals, reports).

Research & Networking

• Assigned research associates to support fellows with projects, writing, and presentations.
• Opportunities to engage with governmental, nongovernmental, academic, and media communities in Washington, D.C.
• Participation in seminars, roundtables, and field trips to deepen knowledge and build networks.

Social & Cultural Activities

• Informal activities such as trips to sporting events, museums, movies, and happy hours.
• Promotes collegiality and community among fellows.