Application Deadline: January 21, 2026 at 5:00 pm Eastern.
Applications are now open for the 2026/2027 NED Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program.
Named in honor of NED’s principal founders, former president Ronald Reagan and the late congressman Dante Fascell (D-Fl.), the Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program is a federally funded, international exchange program that offers democracy activists, journalists, civil society leaders, and scholars from around the world the opportunity to spend five months in residence at the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), in Washington, D.C., in order to undertake independent research on democracy in a particular country or region. Located within NED’s International Forum for Democratic Studies, a leading center for analysis of global democratic developments, the program provides a collegial environment and rich intellectual setting for educational exchange and professional development.
The program offers five-month fellowships for practitioners to improve strategies and techniques for building democracy abroad and five-month fellowships for scholars to conduct original research for publication. While in residence, fellows reflect on their experiences; engage with counterparts; conduct research and writing; consider best practices and lessons learned; and develop professional relationships within a global network of democracy advocates. Fellows are expected to complete a written or audiovisual product relating to their proposed research project. The fellowship culminates in a formal presentation in which fellows typically focus on their research project or another topic relating to the state of democracy in their country.
Eligibility Requirements
All applicants should:
- Demonstrate proficiency in the English language
- Propose a project focusing on the political, social, economic, legal or cultural aspects of democratic development
- Be available to work in residence at the International Forum for Democratic Studies in Washington, D.C. during the 5 month fellowship period (October 1-February 28 or March 1-July 31). No other fellowships or jobs may be held at this time.
Applicants on the practitioner track should:
- Have substantial practical experience working to promote democracy or human rights in their country of origin or interest
- Be mid-career professionals
Applicants on the scholarly track should:
- Possess a doctorate (a Ph.D., or academic equivalent) at the time of application
- Have a proven record of publications in their field
- Have developed a detailed research outline for their fellowship project
Please note: Former Reagan-Fascell fellows are not eligible for repeat fellowships.
How to Apply
In order to apply for the Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowship you must first create an account through our online portal.
1. Applicant information
2. Project proposal for the practitioner or the scholarly fellowship track
3. Letters of recommendation
4. Resume/CV and Biography
Please submit all application materials in English.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the NED Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program
