Apply for Academic Development Grant Program

Deadline: 15-Dec-2026

The Academic Development Grant Program supports universities and academic institutions seeking to strengthen Buddhist studies and research at the highest academic level. The program aims to deepen understanding of Buddhist teachings and traditions, inspire students and faculty, and encourage open-minded academic engagement with Buddhism’s role in contemporary society. Grant amounts vary depending on the proposed project. Eligible applications must come from universities or academic institutions and may support academic Buddhist studies, research initiatives, outreach to students and the wider public, and collaborative sponsorships with other benefactors. The Academic Development Grant Program is designed to advance the academic study and research of Buddhism within universities and other eligible academic institutions.

The program seeks to:

The amount of funding available through the program varies depending on the proposed project. Applicants should therefore develop a project budget that clearly reflects the activities and resources required to achieve the project’s academic objectives. The program may support projects that strengthen Buddhist studies, research, outreach, and collaboration. Eligible projects may include initiatives designed to strengthen academic Buddhist study and research.

Supported activities may include:

Projects should demonstrate clear academic value and contribute to a deeper understanding of Buddhist teachings and traditions.

Applications must originate from:

The program is therefore institution-focused rather than designed for individuals applying independently. Eligible institutions should demonstrate how the proposed initiative will contribute to Buddhist studies, research, academic engagement, student learning, or broader public understanding. The program does not support several types of applications and expenses.

Ineligible requests include:

Applicants should ensure that their proposed project and budget focus on eligible academic and outreach activities rather than excluded expenses. Individual researchers or students cannot apply independently under the program. The application must originate from an eligible university or academic institution. Researchers or faculty members interested in developing a project should therefore work through their university or academic institution when preparing an application.

The program does not support:

Applicants should distinguish between eligible academic development or research initiatives and conference-related activities when developing their proposals. Building projects are not supported through the Academic Development Grant Program. Indirect and administrative costs are also excluded. Applications should therefore focus funding requests on the direct activities that contribute to academic Buddhist studies, research, outreach, or eligible collaboration. The program recognizes that academic Buddhist studies can engage audiences beyond university classrooms and research departments. Eligible initiatives may include outreach to: Such initiatives should contribute to a deeper understanding of Buddhist teachings, traditions, scholarship, or Buddhism’s role in contemporary society. The program may support collaborative sponsorships involving other benefactors. This provides an opportunity for universities and academic institutions to develop projects with additional funding partners while strengthening Buddhist studies and research. Applicants should clearly explain the purpose and academic value of any proposed collaboration. The Academic Development Grant Program supports the continued development of Buddhist studies within academic institutions.

It can help institutions:

Universities and academic institutions should clearly explain the academic purpose and expected contribution of the proposed initiative.

A strong application should describe:

Applicants should avoid:

Universities and academic institutions can strengthen their applications by: The Academic Development Grant Program supports universities and academic institutions in advancing Buddhist studies and research at a high academic level. Applications must originate from universities or academic institutions. No. Individual applications are not supported under the program. The grant amount varies depending on the proposed project. Eligible projects may strengthen academic Buddhist study and research, provide outreach to students and the public, or involve collaborative sponsorships with other benefactors. Yes. Strengthening Buddhist research and academic study is a central purpose of the program. Yes. Eligible outreach initiatives may engage students, communities, and the wider public. No. Conference participation and conference organization are not supported. No. Building projects are not supported. No. Administrative and indirect costs are not supported. Yes. Collaborative sponsorships with other benefactors may be eligible. The Academic Development Grant Program provides universities and academic institutions with an opportunity to strengthen Buddhist studies and research while engaging students, faculty, communities, and the wider public. With flexible grant amounts based on project needs and support for academic initiatives, outreach, and collaborative sponsorships, the program encourages deeper scholarly understanding of Buddhist traditions and their role in contemporary society. For more information, visit Khyentse Foundation.