International Collaborative Research Grants

Formerly known as the Collaborative International Research Grant.

About

As a member of the International Association for the History of Religions (IAHR), the AAR provides International Collaborative Research Grants to support generative research collaborations between and among scholars located in different geographical regions who wish to pursue focused, joint projects in any area of the study of religion.

This program of the AAR’s International Connections Committee (ICC) encourages creative projects grounded in international research relationships that bring together scholars from disparate backgrounds and methodological approaches to advance our critical research and understanding of religious traditions, practices, and issues. These grants may be used for a variety of project expenses, including to enhance communication and to enable travel. Junior as well as more established scholars are encouraged to apply, as are independent scholars.

Criteria

  • Grants may fund the research activities of two or more collaborators, at least one of whom must hold the doctoral degree
  • No individual can apply as part of more than one collaborative team
  • Applicants who have received an AAR research grant in the previous year will not be considered
  • A research group must apply through an AAR member designated as the Primary Contact
  • The Primary Contact must have an active AAR membership at the time of application and throughout the grant period
  • At least one other collaborator is expected to be a member in good standing of IAHR national or regional associations at the time of application and throughout the grant period. Please note that the AAR is a member association of IAHR, and therefore all AAR members qualify as IAHR members. Please direct any questions regarding the IAHR membership requirement to [email protected]
  • The Primary Contact will receive all grant correspondence for the group

Applications will be evaluated by the members of AAR’s International Connections Committee and will be judged on:

  • The clarity and focus of the research proposed
  • The potential of the project to promote meaningful international collaborations between scholars from different regions
  • The significance of the research project’s contribution to religious studies scholarship, particularly in underexplored areas or subfields 
  • The feasibility of the research project, including its aims, timeline, outcomes, and proposed collaborations

Submissions may be shared with IAHR.

How to Apply

Applicants must meet the qualifications and AAR membership eligibility requirements.

The Primary Contact must submit the application form and required materials through the online AAR Grant Application Submission System.

Hard copies, late, emailed, or incomplete applications or materials cannot be accepted.

Applicants should be prepared to upload the following required materials, all of which must be compiled into a single document in PDF or Word format:

  • Cover Page 
    • Name and contact details for Primary Contact
    • Primary Contact's institutional affiliation (if applicable)
    • Project Title
    • Names of and contact details for all project collaborators
    • Requested grant amount in USD
  • Project Abstract: 150-word description of the project
  • Project Proposal: 500-word narrative description that clearly outlines the aims and significance of the research project; discusses the specific logistical details regarding the international collaboration; delineates the roles of each collaborator; and identifies the project’s expected outcomes.
  • Project Budget: Itemized budget with amounts and a narrative explanation of expenses and an accounting of other sources of support for this project both pending and confirmed; project funds must be requested in US dollars (USD).
  • Curriculum Vitae: For each collaborator, a CV of no more than one page that details previous and current grants/competitive research funding and international research travel, and lists current memberships in relevant scholarly organizations.

Any evidence in support of the proposed collaboration (e.g., a letter of invitation from a research center or library that will provide resources or facilities) may be provided but is not required.

Additional supplementary documents cannot be accepted.   

Submit an Application

To submit an application, click the button below which will take you to our online grant application submission system accessible only to AAR members. 
SUBMIT AN APPLICATION

Winner Notification and Expectations

  •  Notification of the application status is typically sent to the Primary Contact by early spring
  • For awarded projects, the Primary Contact will receive all grant correspondence for the group
  • For awarded projects, research expenses may be undertaken anytime within the calendar year of the award year
  • Awardees must maintain AAR membership throughout the grant period
  • By January 31 of the following calendar year, the Primary Contact must submit the required grant reports 
  • Awardees who wish to extend the research collaboration beyond the initial year are eligible to reapply once for a second year of funding. Unsuccessful applicants are similarly encouraged to reapply in subsequent years.

Grant Reports

The Primary Contact must submit the following reports by January 31 of the following calendar year:

  1. Abstract of Project Results: An abstract of 150 words summarizing the results and findings of the research project should be submitted in either English or French, the official languages of the IAHR.

  2. Close-Out Report: A report that describes the collaborative research activities undertaken, publications produced, and public presentations or other disseminations executed or planned.

  3. Expense Report: A narrative description and detailed list of the grant expenses. 

Project Results Report: In addition to the required grant reports, one or more of the participants are required to share the findings of the research collaboration publicly in at least two different ways. These might include reporting the results of the collaboration in a publication, a blog, or a web page, or in a presentation at the AAR Annual meeting or at another conference sponsored by an IAHR member association.

Ineligible Expenses

The following expenses are not eligible for funding by the grant:

  • Expenses for reporting the project results 
  • Honoraria for applicants and/or collaborators
  • Indirect and/or Overhead costs
  • Release Time from a scholar’s institution
  • Research Assistance
  • Stipends
  • Supplementary Salary
  • Travel to professional meetings 
  • Travel to attend the AAR Annual Meeting

Questions

For any questions, please contact us at [email protected].

Status

Closed

Deadline

To Be Announced

Award Amount

$500 to $5,000

Past Winners