National Endowment for Democracy Visiting Fellows Program 2026
The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) Visiting Fellows Program offers scholars and practitioners an opportunity to spend between three and ten months in residence in Washington, D.C., conducting research, writing, or another project related to democracy.
The program is hosted by the International Forum for Democratic Studies at NED and is intended for individuals who wish to undertake focused research and writing in a stimulating environment but do not require financial assistance.
Unlike funded fellowship opportunities, Visiting Fellows do not receive a stipend or travel support. However, fellows may receive access to research resources, office facilities, events, and opportunities to interact with NED staff and fellows from around the world.
NED Visiting Fellows Program Overview
| Opportunity | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | NED Visiting Fellows Program |
| Host | International Forum for Democratic Studies, National Endowment for Democracy |
| Location | Washington, D.C., USA |
| Duration | 3–10 months |
| Funding | Unfunded |
| Target applicants | Scholars and practitioners |
| Focus | Democracy-related research, writing, or projects |
| Applications | Rolling basis |
| Recommended timing | At least 6 months before proposed start date |
| Application email | fellowships@ned.org |
What Is the Visiting Fellows Program?
The International Forum for Democratic Studies hosts a small number of Visiting Fellows each year. The fellowship is designed for scholars and practitioners who want to conduct research and writing at the Forum for a limited period.
Visiting Fellows are expected to undertake a written or other project related to democracy during their period of residence.
The program can therefore be particularly relevant to researchers, academics, policy practitioners, and other professionals whose work examines democratic institutions, political development, governance, or related questions.
Applicants should be aware that the Visiting Fellows Program is not a funded fellowship. Candidates are expected to have their own financial resources for the fellowship period.
Fellowship Duration
Subject to available space, Visiting Fellows may be in residence at the Forum for periods ranging from:
- Three months
- Up to Ten months
Applicants should indicate their preferred starting date and the desired duration of their fellowship when applying.
Because applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, prospective applicants are encouraged to begin the process well in advance.
What Does the Fellowship Provide?
Although Visiting Fellows do not receive a stipend or travel support, the Forum provides an environment that can support research and professional engagement.
Depending on availability, Visiting Fellows may have access to:
- The Democracy Resource Center and Library
- A fully equipped office
- Events held at the National Endowment for Democracy
- NED staff and fellows in residence
- Opportunities to interact with fellows from around the world
These resources can provide valuable opportunities for individuals undertaking independent research or writing projects connected to democracy.
Who Can Apply?
The program is intended for scholars and practitioners who wish to conduct research and writing at the International Forum for Democratic Studies.
The information provided by NED does not specify a particular academic degree, nationality requirement, age limit, or professional seniority requirement for the Visiting Fellows Program. Applicants should therefore focus on demonstrating the quality and relevance of their proposed project and explaining why residence at the Forum would advance their work.
Research Project Requirements
A central component of the application is a five-to-ten-page, double-spaced, typewritten description of the proposed research project.
The project description should address three important areas:
1. Significance for Democracy
Applicants should explain how their project would contribute to advancing the theory or practice of democracy.
This means the proposal should clearly establish the project’s relevance to democratic research, policy, practice, or understanding.
2. Connection to Your Background
Applicants must explain how the proposed project relates to their own background and interests.
The application should therefore demonstrate a clear connection between the applicant’s previous work and the proposed fellowship project.
3. Why Washington, D.C. and the Forum?
Applicants should explain why undertaking the project as a Visiting Fellow at the International Forum for Democratic Studies in Washington, D.C. would advance the research or project.
This section should make clear why the Forum’s research environment, resources, events, staff, and fellows would be useful to the proposed work.
Application Materials
A formal Visiting Fellowship application should include the following materials:
Research Project Description
A five-to-ten-page, double-spaced, typewritten description of the research project.
The description should cover:
- The significance of the project for advancing the theory or practice of democracy
- Its relationship to the applicant’s background and interests
- Why a fellowship at the Forum in Washington, D.C. would advance the project
Preferred Fellowship Dates
Applicants should provide:
- Their preferred starting date
- The desired duration of the fellowship
Current CV
Applicants must submit a current curriculum vitae (CV) outlining their academic, professional, research, and relevant experience.
Two Reference Letters
Applicants must provide two letters of reference.
The referees should send their letters directly to fellowships@ned.org.
How to Apply
Before submitting a formal application, NED recommends that prospective Visiting Fellows first send a preliminary email or letter of inquiry.
The preliminary inquiry should include:
- A brief summary of the proposed project
- Desired fellowship dates
- A CV
The purpose of the preliminary inquiry is to determine whether there is space available for a Visiting Fellow during the proposed period.
Formal applications should then be submitted by email to:
APPLY ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Application Timeline
The Visiting Fellows Program accepts applications on a rolling basis.
There is no single annual deadline specified in the information provided. However, applicants should submit inquiries and applications at least six months before the proposed starting date to receive timely consideration.
For example, someone hoping to begin a fellowship in June should aim to contact the Forum well before December of the preceding year.
Applicants should not wait for a traditional annual application deadline because the program operates on a rolling basis and space is limited.
Is the Visiting Fellows Program Fully Funded?
No.
This is one of the most important points prospective applicants should understand.
Visiting Fellows do not receive a stipend or travel support. Applicants therefore need to have their own financial arrangements for the fellowship period, including expenses associated with living in Washington, D.C. and travel.
The program instead provides research and professional resources, subject to availability.
Visiting Fellows vs. Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program
The National Endowment for Democracy also hosts the Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program, which is a separate fellowship opportunity.
Applicants looking specifically for a funded fellowship at NED should investigate the Reagan-Fascell program rather than assuming that the Visiting Fellows Program provides financial support.
The Visiting Fellows Program is specifically intended for scholars and practitioners who want to conduct research or writing at the Forum without requiring financial assistance.
Why Consider the NED Visiting Fellowship?
For researchers and practitioners working on democracy-related issues, the fellowship can provide several advantages.
Dedicated Research Time
A three-to-ten-month residence can provide an opportunity to concentrate on a substantial research, writing, or project-based undertaking.
Access to Research Resources
Depending on availability, Visiting Fellows can use the Democracy Resource Center and Library and a fully equipped office.
Professional Engagement
Fellows may participate in events hosted by NED and interact with staff and other fellows in residence.
International Network
The opportunity to interact with fellows from around the world can expose Visiting Fellows to different experiences and perspectives relating to democracy.
How to Prepare a Strong Application
Although the program information does not prescribe a specific application strategy, prospective applicants should make sure their proposal directly addresses the questions identified by NED.
A strong project description should clearly establish:
What is the project?
Explain precisely what you intend to research, write, or produce during the fellowship.
Why does it matter for democracy?
Connect the project to the theory or practice of democracy.
Why are you the right person to undertake it?
Demonstrate the connection between your professional or academic background and the proposed project.
Why NED?
Explain how being based at the International Forum for Democratic Studies would materially advance the project.
Why Washington, D.C.?
Identify the value of undertaking the work within the Forum’s research and professional environment.
Key Takeaway
The NED Visiting Fellows Program is an opportunity for scholars and practitioners to undertake a democracy-related research or writing project in residence at the International Forum for Democratic Studies in Washington, D.C.
The fellowship lasts between three and ten months, applications are considered on a rolling basis, and prospective applicants should contact the Forum at least six months before their intended start date.
The program is unfunded, meaning Visiting Fellows do not receive a stipend or travel support. However, subject to space and availability, fellows can access research facilities, an office, events, and opportunities to engage with NED staff and international fellows.
How to Apply
Prospective applicants are encouraged to first send a preliminary inquiry containing a brief project summary, proposed fellowship dates, and a CV.
Formal applications should include the required project proposal, preferred dates and duration, current CV, and two reference letters.
APPLY ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Official Program: National Endowment for Democracy – Visiting Fellows Program
