Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowship 2026

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.

We are repositioning the program as NED’s “Democracy Accelerator,” an initiative that brings together a focused group of fellows—key civic leaders, tech innovators, practitioners, and scholars focused on defining challenges to democracy—to incubate new ideas and initiatives on the cutting edge of the global fight for freedom. In this new conception of the program, Fellows situate their work in a transnational context and consider the comparative implications of their ideas and analysis for other regions of the world. In this sense, the Reagan-Fascell program helps to advance NED’s applied learning efforts, focused on enhancing the institution’s ability to deliver democracy assistance more effectively. By hosting fellows whose experiences and expertise align with the institution’s strategic priorities and by integrating them into the NED network, the Fellows Program becomes an incubator for transnational learning and democratic acceleration.

Summary

1. Application Deadline: November 30, 2025
2. Value: Monthly stipend for living expenses, basic health insurance, roundtrip travel, office and research support
3. Study Level: Postdoctoral / Fellowship / Professional Development
4. Sponsor: National Endowment for Democracy (NED)
5. Course to Study: Research project on political, social, economic, legal, or cultural aspects of democratic development
6. Host Country: United States
7. Eligible Country: All countries (global)

Eligibility Criteria for Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowship 2026

Under the Democracy Accelerator framework, a select number of fellows are chosen based on their track record working to build democracy and their potential to advance democratic learning at a strategic and practical level. By bringing together a carefully curated cohort, we create an optimal environment for in-depth collaboration and innovation that reverberates across the NED family. This approach entails investing in fewer, higher-potential individuals and working toward fellowship outcomes that are suited to a new environment.

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.

Selection Process

1. The Reagan-Fascell program holds an annual competition for fellowships. Applications are assessed through a rigorous evaluation process, culminating in the selection of finalists by the Endowment’s Board of Directors. All applicants for 2026-27 fellowships will be notified of the competition’s outcome in May 2026.
2. In order to ensure a competitive selection process for the many candidates who apply each year, the Reagan-Fascell program is unable to offer fellowship deferrals except under extraordinary circumstances. Awardees who are unable to accept a fellowship in the year for which they applied may be asked to reapply if they remain interested in pursuing a fellowship in a future year.

Benefits of Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowship 2026

Monthly stipend for living expenses, basic health insurance, roundtrip travel to/from Washington D.C., office and research support, professional development.

How to Apply

In order to apply for the Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowship, you must first create an account through our online portal. For detailed instructions on how to create an account, click here. Once you have set up an account, the application process requires you to submit:

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 Reagan Fascell Democracy Fellowship

Application Deadline:

November 30, 2025

Application Link(s)

• Apply for Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowship 2026