Humanities research support

Access to primary sources or archival material

Duke researchers have access to a plethora of curated collections, archives, digital materials, and more through the 12 Duke University Libraries. Additionally, equipment rentals (such as voice recorders, video cameras, and GoPros) are available through the Link at Perkins Library.

• Perkins & Bostock Libraries
• David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library
• Duke University Archives
• Lilly Library
• Music Library
• Marine Lab Library
• Library Service Center
• Divinity School Library
• Duke Kunshan University Library
• Ford Library, Fuqua School of Business
• Goodson Law Library
• Medical Center Library

Not sure where to start? Ask a librarian!

Funding for humanities research projects

Funding for humanities projects can be divided into two categories: grants and fellowships.

Grants

• Federal grants: Federal sponsors for large and/or collaborative projects in the arts and humanities include the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. For advice and support in applying for a federal grant, begin by filling out the Intent to Submit (I2S) form, which will connect you with the appropriate Research Navigators and grant managers.
• In addition, a wide range of foundations, professional associations, commercial partners, and internal Duke opportunities are also available to support projects in the humanities and interpretive social sciences.
• Foundations: The Office of Foundation Relations is the first stop for connecting humanities researchers with appropriate foundations. Foundation Relations manages Duke’s relationship with the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Guggenheim Foundation, Ford Foundation, the Fulbright Scholars Program, and others.  This office focuses on grants larger than $100,000, but they also manage certain fellowship programs from these foundations, such as the Mellon New Directions fellowships. If the foundation allows only one or two proposals from each institution (“institutionally limited opportunity”), Foundation Relations manages that process.

Fellowships

Fellowship opportunities generally offer funding below $100,000 to support time off for a researcher to complete research or writing of a book or article.  Before applying independently, the researcher should check with their departmental business manager and department chair, who will need advance notice if a faculty member might be away from teaching for a semester or longer.  A trained grant manager can also advise on whether or not to apply through Duke; there could be implications for personal taxes and benefits, depending on the exact purpose for which the funds will be used.  In most departments, the business manager can advise; contact myresearchnavigators@duke.edu with any further questions.

Humanities research outside of the United States

Researchers who plan to conduct research outside of the United States or engage foreign nationals to assist them in another country (copying archival materials, for example) should write to myresearchnavigators@duke.edu to be connected to expert Duke staff. 

See Research involving international activities or collaborations for additional guidance.

Finding funding

Access the Explore, understand, and find funding page for self-service tools to search for project funding, as well as contact information for research development professionals available to assist in searching for applicable funding opportunities, including fellowships.