The First Book Grant for Scholars of Color (FBG) supports academic sabbatical leave for research projects about Christian faith and life, the practice of ministry, religious trends and movements, Christian and other faith-based institutions, and religion and social issues. The intention of the First Book Grant is to help early-career scholars of color compete research and writing for publication of their first book (or a second book, if necessary for tenure). We are especially interested in projects that demonstrate a desire to bridge the North American church and academy, and preference is given to studies already underway (e.g., projects under contract or consideration with a publisher).
Applicants should be pre-tenured faculty members working in full-time, tenure-track or renewable contract/continual academic positions at accredited institutions of higher education (seminary, theological school, or college/university) in the United States or Canada. The FBG typically buys academic release that enables scholars to spend a full school year devoted to the research project free from teaching and administrative responsibilities. Grants awarded in the 2025 cycle will fund sabbaticals taking place during the 2025-2026 academic year, or during the 2026 calendar year.
Deadline: Jan. 15, 2025
- are self-identified persons of color
- have earned a terminal research degree, typically a Ph.D. or Th.D.
- are pre-tenured faculty members working in full-time, tenure-track or renewable contract/continual academic positions at accredited institutions of higher education (seminary, theological school, or college/university) in the United States or Canada
- can negotiate release time of up to a full academic year free from teaching and administrative responsibilities
- are engaged in a scholarly research project leading to publication of their first book, or a second book if necessary for tenure at their institution
- may work in various fields such as history, systematic and practical theology, social science, ethics, biblical studies, etc., or be interdisciplinary
Project grant amount: up to US$55,000