First Book Grant for Scholars of Color 2025 (up to $55,000)

Get latest opportunities in your email

About First Book Grant for Scholars of Color

The intention of the First Book Grant is to help early-career scholars of color complete research and writing for publication of their first book (or a second book, if necessary for tenure). They 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).

How can I use First Book Grant funds?

• • FBG funds typically buy release time from academic duties, usually to support a second term or semester of academic release to supplement an existing semester/term sabbatical. If you work at an institution that does not grant sabbaticals and/or if you are in a full-time, permanent teaching position that does not include sabbatical leave, you must contact us to discuss your eligibility before applying for this grant: [email protected].
  • It is common for the total amount of a First Book Grant budget to be designated for salary/benefit replacement.
  • If you are requesting sabbatical funds for research materials or assistance, travel, or other resources, you will need to prepare a line-item budget and an explanatory budget narrative.

For questions about grant proposals, please email [email protected]

• School: Louisville Institute

Benefits of First Book Grant for Scholars of Color

• They provide grant up to US$55,000.

First Book Grant for Scholars of Color Requirements

Eligible candidates: 

• • 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

Additional eligibility information:

• • Doctoral students are not eligible for a First Book Grant but may be eligible for one of our fellowship programs.

See additional stipulations below. For questions about grant eligibility, please email [email protected].

What is the Selection process for First Book Grants?

The Louisville Institute appoints a selection committee to review proposals and award First Book Grants for Scholars of Color. The selection committee meets about 8 weeks after the application due date. In recent years, we have averaged 20 applications and this year we will award 3 grants. All applicants are notified by email as soon as possible after the selection process. Awards will be announced publicly in April 2025.

Application Date and Process

1. Download the 2025 FBG Application Guide. The application guide contains the details you need. Read the guide carefully and refer to it as you prepare your application materials.
2. Review the eligibility requirements in the guide.
3. Create an account. Click on the “Apply” button to create an account in the application portal. (Application portal opens June 1, 2024)
4. Prepare your materials. Complete applications require the following (see the Application Guide for full details):
   1. • General Application Information
      • Project Summary
      • Project Narrative
      • Bibliography
      • Line Item Budget & Budget Narrative
      • Curriculum Vitae or resume
      • Two Letters of Recommendation
      • Letter of Release
5. All application elements are submitted online through our application portal.
6. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. EST January 15, 2025, and letters of recommendation are due from the recommenders January 22, 2025.

Application Deadline

15 January, 2025

Scholarship Application Portal

View details of First Book Grant for Scholars of Color

Apply for First Book Grant for Scholars of Color