Applications open for APARRI Working Group Grant Program (US)

The Asia Pacific American Religions Research Initiative (APARRI) offers Working Group Grants to support collaborations that advance scholarly and public knowledge of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) religions. APARRI invites proposals from working groups focused on AAPI religions in relation to democracy and/or pluralistic engagement. The application deadline is 15 December 2026 (11:59 pm Pacific Standard Time). Opportunity at a Glance

- Funding organization: Asia Pacific American Religions Research Initiative (APARRI)

- Opportunity name: APARRI Working Group Grants

- Grant purpose: Support working groups advancing scholarly and public knowledge of AAPI religions

- Maximum award amount: Up to $7,000 per working group

- Minimum working group size: At least 3 members

- Eligible focus areas: AAPI religions related to democracy and/or pluralistic engagement

- Eligible applicants (core requirement): Working group leader/coordinator must hold a doctorate and have a formal affiliation with a higher education institution

- Application deadline: 15 December 2026, 11:59 pm Pacific Standard Time (PST)

- Decision notifications: By 15 February 2027

- Grant funds must be spent by: 15 May 2028

- Final report due: 15 June 2028

- Conference attendance requirement: Attend APARRI 2028 (June 2028) (conference attendance cannot be budgeted in the grant)

About the Opportunity

APARRI Working Group Grants support collaborations that deepen both scholarly and public understanding of AAPI religions. Proposals must engage AAPI religions insofar as they relate to democracy, pluralistic engagement, or both. At the end of the grant cycle, working groups are expected to produce a tangible product that furthers scholarly and public knowledge of AAPI religions. Examples include an edited volume, a co-authored article, a podcast series, a public symposium, or other comparable outputs. Funding and Benefits

- Maximum award: Up to $7,000 per working group

- Minimum team size: Working groups must include at least three members.

- Stipends: Funds may be used for stipends up to $500 per member listed on the proposal.

- Other allowable uses (eligible expenses): - Travel, meals, and lodging for group meetings (e.g., retreat center, hotel, conference center) - Honoraria and travel-related expenses for guest speakers - Equipment, supplies, and materials to support group meetings and discussions

- Institutional surcharge: Proposals may include an institutional surcharge of up to 10% for managing the grant (check your institution’s policies).

Expenses not covered The opportunity specifies that the following are not covered: - Computer equipment, tablets, and office furniture - Food delivered to homes, or food consumed during online meetings - Stipends for writing the grant proposal - WiFi or other home utility fees - Travel, meals, or lodging for family and friends - Travel for attendance at disciplinary or professional conferences, including the APARRI conference Who Is Eligible? Required qualifications - The working group leader or coordinator must: - Hold a doctorate, and - Have a formal affiliation with a higher education institution. - Working groups must include at least three members. Additional eligibility rules - No more than two members may come from the same institution. - Applicants who previously received a Working Group Grant and served as Working Group Leader may not apply again as the Leader, but may participate as a member in a proposed working group. - An individual cannot be part of more than one working group proposal. Encouraged (not required)

APARRI encourages, but does not require:

- Including independent scholars, graduate students, and other non-faculty members as members of the working group - In-person meetings - Interdisciplinary, interethnic, and interreligious collaborations - Proposals for one or two members to present at the APARRI conference U.S. citizenship/permanent residency (clarification) APARRI states that the Primary Contact (whose institution receives the funds) needs to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. The financial administrator should be consulted to determine whether this requirement affects disbursements to working group members (e.g., stipends, reimbursement). Eligible Activities or Priority Areas Proposals must focus on AAPI religions and engage them in relation to: - Democracy, and/or - Pluralistic engagement Working groups should plan for a tangible deliverable by the end of the grant cycle. The source provides examples such as an edited volume, co-authored article, podcast series, public symposium, or comparable products. Why This Opportunity Matters This grant is designed for academic and public-facing collaborations that connect scholarship on AAPI religions with issues of democracy and pluralistic engagement. By requiring a concrete deliverable (and encouraging dissemination through conference participation), APARRI aims to support both knowledge production and broader public understanding. How to Apply - Prepare your application materials (submitted online): - Online Application Form - Proposal (maximum 5 pages, double-spaced, Times New Roman 11-point, including footnotes/endnotes) using the specified subheadings: - Title - Working Group Members (note Primary Contact) - Abstract (max 350 words) - Goals - Significance of project - Description of project - Product/Deliverable - Timeline - Budget (including other potential sources of funding, if relevant) with budget justification (maximum two pages) - Curriculum Vitae for each member (maximum two pages per individual CV) - Letter from Financial Administrator confirming the institution will support administration of the subaward - Submit online through APARRI’s grant administration system.

- Deadline: 15 December 2026, 11:59 pm Pacific Standard Time (PST)

- APARRI states that applications must be submitted no later than this time.

- Note the change policy: APARRI states that no alterations are permitted once an ap