In memory of folklorist Gerald L. Davis and in partnership with the AFS Cultural Diversity Committee (CDC), the American Folklore Society provides a limited number of grants, ranging from $500 to $2000, to foster the participation, inclusion, and affirmation of persons of color who are invested in community development. Awards also include a meeting registration fee waiver for the annual meeting for awardees.
Applicants may choose between two grant pathways, choosing the one that best serves their community of practice. Both pathways will include mentorship to welcome and support awardees.
Prospective applicants may be graduate students, community scholars, staff members of public folklore programs, or others working on community-focused projects.
Gerald L. Davis was a celebrated folklorist, scholar, and activist whose work centered around the study of African American expressive culture and building African American and African communities and grounded in cultural exchange, research, and development. Thus, we seek to fund projects that similarly support community development, and are connected, healing and informed.
Presence Pathway
(Travel Funds for Annual Meeting)
The Presence Pathway provides funding for travel arrangements to support your presence and participation in the AFS Annual Meeting.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted using the link below by September 8.
Applicants will be notified about the award decisions by September 20.
Supporting Materials
Applications must include the following materials submitted in a single text or PDF file:
1. A brief curriculum vitae, resume, or professional biography.
2. A letter detailing your specific reasons for wanting to attend the AFS annual meeting, the impact you expect the meeting will have on your work, and what you are excited to share with colleagues. (Aim for no more than 250 words.)
3. Your estimated expenses and the amount requested.
Applicants will be notified about the award decisions by September 20, and the funds will be dispersed at the annual meeting.
Awardees will be contacted to have a conversation concerning their experience at the annual meeting experience and with their mentor.
Project Pathway
The Project Pathway provides funding for projects that participate in community scholarship in action, and that keep communities connected, whole, and active.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted using the link below by November 10.
Applicants will be notified about the award decisions by December 10.
Applicants may choose to submit individual or collaborative proposals. If collaborative proposals are selected, the funding limit may be increased to reflect the number of applicants involved. Grant recipients will have a conversation with AFS about how to best report out about project achievements so as to have the most impact for the grantee organization.
In the case of collaborative projects, one person should submit the application for the project, including the required information about each other applicant.
Supporting Materials
Applications must include the following materials submitted in a single text or PDF file:
1. For each applicant, a brief curriculum vitae, resume, or professional biography.
2. A letter detailing the project description, including brief answers to the following questions (aim for no more than 250 words for each):
- What’s your idea/concept?
- How does it benefit your community?
- What activities will you undertake? Roughly when will you accomplish them?
- How will you know you’ve accomplished what you set out to do?
3. Your estimated expenses and the amount requested.