The Reagan–Fascell Democracy Fellowship Program is an international program funded by the U.S. government and administered by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) in Washington, D.C. The program is named in honor of NED’s principal founders: former U.S. President Ronald Reagan and the late Congressman Dante Fascell. The program provides activists, journalists, civil society leaders, and scholars from around the world the opportunity to spend five months in residence at NED to conduct independent research on democracy in a specific country or region.
The program is housed within NED’s International Forum for Democratic Studies, a leading center for the analysis of global democratic developments. It provides a rich academic and professional environment for knowledge exchange and professional development.
Program Overview
The program offers five-month fellowships for:
- Practitioners to improve strategies for building democracy in their countries.
- Scholars to conduct original research suitable for publication.
During their residency, fellows engage in:
- Reflecting on their professional experiences.
- Interacting with peers from around the world.
- Conducting research and writing.
- Analyzing best practices and lessons learned.
- Building professional relationships within a global network of democracy advocates.
Each fellow is required to produce a written or audiovisual product related to their proposed research project. The fellowship concludes with a formal presentation in which the fellow presents their project or insights on the state of democracy in their country.
Practitioner Track
Applicants may choose to apply for the Practitioner Track, which is primarily intended for:
- Practitioners from developing and aspiring democracies.
- Applicants from non-democratic countries.
Requirements for this track:
- Substantial practical experience promoting democracy or human rights.
- No specific academic degree requirements.
- No age limit, though applicants are usually mid-career professionals.
Examples of eligible candidates:
- Human rights advocates.
- Civil society leaders.
- Political party figures.
- Human rights lawyers.
- Parliamentarians.
- Labor union activists.
- Journalists and media professionals.
Scholarly Track
Researchers may apply for the Scholarly Track, which is also open to:
- Scholars from the United States and other established democracies.
Requirements for this track:
- Possession of a doctorate (PhD or equivalent) at the time of application.
- A proven record of publications in their field.
- A detailed research plan for the fellowship project.
Examples of eligible candidates:
- University professors.
- Analysts at research centers.
- Writers and public intellectuals.
Program Details
The program includes:
- Seminars, roundtables, and field trips.
- Building knowledge about NED and its core institutes.
- Education on democracy through field activities and seminars.
- Supporting engagement with governmental, non-governmental, academic, and media communities.
- Fostering a sense of fellowship among participants.
Fellows also benefit from social and cultural activities, such as:
- Attending sporting events.
- Visiting museums and cinemas.
- Participating in social gatherings.
Financial Support
Each fellow receives:
- A monthly stipend to cover living expenses.
- Basic health insurance.
- Round-trip travel to and from Washington, D.C.
- A fully equipped office.
- A limited budget for international calls and professional travel within the U.S.
Note: Fellows wishing to bring family members must cover the travel and living costs of their dependents.
Research Support
The program staff provides assistance in:
- Guiding fellows on project development.
- Offering research, writing, and editorial support on democracy-related issues.
- Facilitating external engagement.
- Assisting with the preparation and follow-up of public presentations.
- Providing other support as needed.
Visas
- Non-U.S. fellows must obtain a J-1 exchange visitor visa prior to arrival.
- Accompanying family members must obtain a J-2 visa.
- Applicants who have participated in a J-1 research scholar program within the previous 24 months are ineligible.
- U.S. law typically requires J-1 visa holders to return to their home country for two years after completing the fellowship before applying for H or L visas or permanent residence.
Eligibility
A select number of fellows are chosen based on:
- Their record of supporting democracy.
- Their potential to advance democratic learning at a strategic and practical level.
This approach fosters an innovative and collaborative environment within the NED community.
General requirements for all applicants:
- Proficiency in English.
- Submission of a project focusing on political, social, economic, legal, or cultural aspects of democratic development.
- Availability to reside in Washington, D.C. for five months (October 1–February 28 or March 1–July 31).
- No employment or other fellowships during the program period.
Practitioner Track Requirements:
- Significant practical experience in promoting democracy or human rights.
- Mid-career professional status.
Scholarly Track Requirements:
- Possession of a doctorate.
- Proven publication record.
- Detailed research plan for the project.
How to Apply
Applicants must create an account through the program’s online portal. Once the account is created, applicants must submit:
- Applicant information.
- Project proposal for the Practitioner or Scholarly track.
- Letters of recommendation.
- Resume/CV and biography.
All application materials must be submitted in English.
Application Deadlines
- Application deadline: Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
- All applicants will be notified of results in Spring 2026.
- Deadline for letters of recommendation: Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time.
