Overview

The Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowship—named after NED’s founders, former U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Congressman Dante Fascell—is a fully funded international exchange program hosted by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) in Washington, D.C.

This prestigious five-month fellowship supports democracy activists, journalists, civil society leaders, and scholars from around the world to undertake independent research, writing, and professional development in a rich intellectual environment.

The program is administered by NED’s International Forum for Democratic Studies, one of the world’s leading centers for the analysis of global democratic trends.

As part of NED’s new Democracy Accelerator framework, the fellowship convenes a select group of civic leaders, technologists, practitioners, and scholars to incubate cutting-edge ideas and solutions for advancing democracy globally.

Quick Facts

• Host Institution: National Endowment for Democracy (NED)

• Location: Washington, D.C., United States

• Duration: 5 months

  • Fall Term: October 1 – February 28

  • Spring Term: March 1 – July 31

• Funding Type: Fully Funded

• Tracks: Practitioner Track and Scholarly Track

• Application Deadline: Wednesday, December 31, 2025

• Recommendation Letter Deadline: Wednesday, January 7, 2026 (5:00 PM Eastern)

• Notification: Late Spring 2026 (May)

• Eligibility: Open to global practitioners and scholars (U.S. and non-U.S.)

• Program Email: fellowships@ned.org

What the Fellowship Offers (Fully Funded Benefits)

The Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowship is fully funded, covering all major expenses for the duration of the program:

Financial Support

• Monthly Stipend: Covers cost of a furnished short-term apartment, food, transportation, and daily living expenses.

• Health Insurance: Basic medical insurance for the fellow during residency.

• Roundtrip Travel: Airfare to and from Washington, D.C. at the start and end of the fellowship.

• Office and Research Support: Fellows receive a fully equipped office, access to NED resources, and a modest budget for professional travel within the U.S.

Fellows who bring dependents must cover the travel and living costs of accompanying family members.

Research and Professional Development

• One-on-one advisory and editorial support from NED program staff.

• Opportunities to engage with government, NGO, academic, and media institutions in Washington, D.C.

• Participation in seminars, roundtables, and field visits to explore democratic institutions and practices.

• Access to a global network of democracy advocates, scholars, and policymakers.

Fellowship Objectives

During the five-month residency, fellows:

• Conduct independent research and writing on democracy and human rights.

• Reflect on professional experiences and share lessons learned.

• Build cross-regional and comparative perspectives on democratic development.

• Produce a final product such as a policy paper, article, report, handbook, podcast, or video.

• Present their work publicly at the end of the fellowship.

The program’s new Democracy Accelerator model emphasizes collaboration, comparative analysis, and practical innovation to address emerging global challenges—such as authoritarian influence, digital governance, and transnational repression.

Fellowship Tracks

Practitioner Track

Designed primarily for activists, journalists, and civic leaders from developing or non-democratic countries.

Ideal Candidates:

• Human rights advocates

• Civil society organizers

• Political party members

• Human rights lawyers

• Labor union leaders

• Journalists and media professionals

Requirements:

• Significant practical experience promoting democracy or human rights.

• Mid-career professionals (no degree or age limits).

• English proficiency.

• Full-time availability in Washington, D.C. for the five-month fellowship.

Scholarly Track

Designed for researchers and academics from around the world, including established democracies.

Ideal Candidates:

• Professors and lecturers

• Research analysts

• Policy writers and public intellectuals

Requirements:

• Doctorate (Ph.D. or equivalent) at the time of application.

• Strong record of publications in the applicant’s area of expertise.

• Detailed research proposal focused on democratic development.

• English proficiency and full-time residence in Washington, D.C.

Note: Former Reagan-Fascell fellows are not eligible for repeat awards.

Eligibility Criteria

All applicants must:

• Demonstrate proficiency in English.

• Propose a project on democracy and human rights, addressing political, social, legal, or cultural aspects.

• Be available for full-time, in-residence participation in Washington, D.C.

• Submit a complete application in English before the deadline.

Application Process for 2026–27

To apply for the fully funded Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowship:

1. Create an account through NED’s online application 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:

2. Complete the online form with the following materials:

   • Personal and contact information

   • Project proposal for the Practitioner or Scholarly track

   • Two letters of recommendation

   • Résumé/CV and biography

Application Deadline: December 31, 2025
Recommendation Deadline: January 7, 2026 (5:00 PM Eastern)

All submissions must be in English. Applicants will be notified of results by late spring 2026.

Selection Process

• The fellowship is awarded through a highly competitive, annual global selection process.

• Applications undergo rigorous review and are finalized by the NED Board of Directors.

• Deferrals are not permitted except in extraordinary cases.

Selected fellows are expected to align their work with NED’s priorities and contribute to the institution’s mission of advancing democracy worldwide.

Visa Requirements

• Non-U.S. citizens must obtain a J-1 exchange visitor visa; accompanying dependents require J-2 visas.

• Applicants who have participated in a J-1 research scholar program within the past 24 months are ineligible.

• Fellows are typically subject to a two-year home residency requirement following the fellowship.

Responsible Use of Generative AI

The Reagan-Fascell Program encourages authentic applications written in your own voice.

• Prohibited: Copying AI-generated responses directly into the application.

• Permitted: Limited use of AI for brainstorming, editing, or translation, provided it doesn’t distort your original ideas.

• Applications demonstrating originality and authenticity will be prioritized.

Important Dates

Contact

For questions or application support, please contact:
📧 fellowships@ned.org

Conclusion

The Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowship is a fully funded opportunity for democracy practitioners and scholars to deepen their impact, collaborate across borders, and contribute to global democratic renewal.

With comprehensive financial support, access to world-class research networks, and the intellectual environment of NED, the fellowship serves as a launchpad for innovative, high-impact democratic initiatives around the world.