Award Description

This $3,000 award supports community research in Special Collections and University Archives (SCUA). Community research awards are open to independent scholars, historians, artists, writers, genealogists, and other researchers not currently affiliated with UO. Applicants should demonstrate how their project will engage meaningfully with the collections. We especially encourage applications from individuals and groups whose perspectives have been historically underrepresented in archival research, as well as those new to working with special collections. Projects may take many forms, including publications, creative work, public history projects, or personal research. Award recipients should be aware that, depending on their status and country of origin, the US government may consider their award taxable income. It is recommended that awardees familiarize themselves with their tax status and take necessary steps to plan for and pay any potential fees.

Application Requirements

In addition to completing the research award application form, applicants are asked to submit: 

• A curriculum vitae or resume 
• Project proposal 
• 1-2 paragraph project summary describing your project and its significance to your work, discipline, and/or community 
• A statement detailing what SCUA materials you are planning on examining, their importance for the project, and how the research award will assist in supporting the project (maximum two pages)
• Two references, to be contacted if applicant is a finalist

Fellows Will

• Complete their research at the University of Oregon within a year of award notification
• Present a 10-15 minute lecture as part of SCUA's virtual Annual Research Award Panel
• Submit a copy of their final project or publication to SCUA
• Acknowledge SCUA in all publications resulting from the research award

Applications are currently closed and will reopen in summer of 2026. 

Applicants awarded funding will be notified by late March of the application year.