AFS Standardizes Application Deadlines for Section Prizes and Section Travel Awards

The American Folklore Society (AFS) is excited to introduce a new, simplified timeline for section prizes and section travel awards, designed to make the process clearer, more consistent, and more accessible for all applicants.

Over the past year, AFS staff have been working closely with section conveners to review current practices and identify ways to improve the awards process. This new standardized timeline is the result of those conversations and shared efforts to make things run more smoothly for everyone involved.

Starting this year, all section prizes and travel awards (except book prizes) will follow two standardized application deadlines:

• Section Travel Awards: June 15
• Section Prizes: July 15

This update helps streamline what has previously been a wide range of deadlines across sections. By aligning timelines, we’re able to:

• Make it easier to track and apply for opportunities
• Ensure faster notification and distribution of travel funds
• Help recipients use award funds in time for Annual Meeting registration
• Better align with academic and AFS calendars

While deadlines are now standardized, each section will continue to manage its own awards and review process.

We encourage all members—especially students and early-career scholars—to explore available opportunities and plan ahead using the new timeline.

If you have questions about a specific award, please reach out to the relevant section or AFS staff for more information.

We look forward to supporting your work and celebrating this year’s award recipients!