NED: Reagan-Fascell and Hurford fellowships in Washington for democracy activists, journalists and scholars, with living costs and airfare covered, apply by 30 November and 5 January

The National Endowment for Democracy (NED), through its International Forum for Democratic Studies, invites applications for its residency fellowship opportunities in Washington, D.C., notably the Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program and the Hurford Youth Fellowship. This federally funded international exchange initiative serves as a democracy accelerator, bringing together activists, researchers, and civil society leaders to address global democratic challenges.

Selected fellows receive full financial and logistical support during their stay, which includes a monthly living stipend, health insurance coverage, and round-trip airfare, although specific monetary totals are not publicly detailed. Applications for the Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program close on 5 January 2027, and for the Hurford Youth Fellowship on 30 November 2026.

What is funded

The fellowship provides comprehensive residential support to enable fellows to undertake five months of independent research and strategic reflection in Washington, D.C. Participants are integrated into NED’s International Forum for Democratic Studies, gaining access to a rich intellectual setting, educational exchange opportunities, and a global network of democracy advocates.

Financial support covers round-trip airfare, basic health insurance, and a monthly stipend intended to cover living costs during the residency period. While the donor does not specify exact stipend values, the funding ensures fellows can focus full-time on their proposed research, writing, and professional collaboration without holding outside employment.

Who can apply

The program is open to individuals worldwide and is organized into two distinct tracks: the practitioner track and the scholarly track. The practitioner track targets civic leaders, human rights advocates, journalists, lawyers, political party figures, and labor activists, predominantly from developing, aspiring, or non-democratic countries. These applicants are typically mid-career professionals with practical track records, and no formal academic degree is required.

The scholarly track accommodates university professors, think tank analysts, writers, and public intellectuals, including distinguished scholars from established democracies such as the United States. Candidates applying under this track must hold a doctorate or equivalent academic degree at the time of application, have a verified history of publications, and present a detailed research outline.

Conditions and requirements

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and propose an independent project addressing the political, social, economic, legal, or cultural aspects of democratic development. Selected participants must commit to a full-time, five-month residency in Washington, D.C., during which they cannot hold other fellowships or jobs.

Fellows are required to complete a concrete written or audiovisual output linked to their research project and conclude their residency with a formal presentation. Note that former Reagan-Fascell fellows are not eligible to apply for repeat fellowships.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted in accordance with the tracks specified by the International Forum for Democratic Studies. Candidates must prepare their detailed project proposal, document their professional or publication history, and submit their materials prior to the established cut-off date.

Practical tip. Frame your proposed topic strictly within the framework of comparative democratic development and NED’s priority areas, as the program serves as an incubator for applied learning and transnational strategy rather than isolated academic inquiry.

Applications are submitted on the donor’s page: ned.org.