Grants for Colleges and Universities to Expand Teaching in Buddhist Studies

The Program in Buddhist Studies, administered by the American Council of Learned Societies, promotes the academic study of Buddhism and the dissemination of knowledge of Buddhism through support for dissertations, research, and writing, and by assisting institutions to establish new, tenure-track teaching positions. Annual symposia foster networks and knowledge sharing amongst scholars.

Grant Details

• Institutions of higher education worldwide are eligible to apply for grants up to $300,000, to be expended over four years, in support of teaching positions in Buddhist Studies.
• The proposed position should be a new position. If the proposed position is a replacement for a retirement or otherwise vacated position where Buddhist Studies at the institution would be significantly affected without award funds, the proposal should make that case and note why the previous position could not be filled.
• The establishment of the position must contribute significantly to the institution. This means establishing a curriculum in Buddhist Studies where none has existed or where such a curriculum was in clear and urgent need of additional support.
• Award funds should be used only for the new professor’s salary, benefits, and research expenses. The funds may not be used for university overhead or any indirect/administrative costs or office expenses.
• In addition, institutions are eligible to request funds for costs related to a competitive search for the proposed position. The total request must not exceed $300,000.
• Institutions must commit to maintaining the seeded position as a permanent, tenure-track post after the expiration of The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Global’s funding. At institutions without a tenure-track system, the applicant institution must commit to continuing the position for a substantial period after the expiration of this grant’s funding.
• The heart of the application is a statement outlining the proposed position—its responsibilities, departmental location, rank, and fit with the institution’s mission and curricular plans, and the qualifications sought in potential appointees. The statement should describe the process of identifying the appointee.

Eligibility Criteria

• Accredited institutions of higher education worldwide are eligible to apply.
• The application must be written in English.
• This is a global competition. There are no requirements regarding the location of the institution or the language(s) of instruction.
• Institutions must include a multi-year plan for matching at least one-third of Foundation funding over the grant period, and the matching ratio need not be the same each year.

Evaluation Criteria

• The strength of the institution’s commitment to establishing a tenure-track position in Buddhist Studies, or at institutions without a tenure-track system, the institution’s commitment to continuing the position for a substantial period of time after the expiration of grant funding.
• The significance of the new professorship for adding or enhancing Buddhist Studies in the institution’s curricular offerings.
• Coherence and cogency of presentation.
• Feasibility of the proposed budget and plan for establishing the new position.
• The institution’s record in teaching and research.

For more information, visit ACLS.