Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowship 2026–27 in the USA – Fully Funded Fellowship in Washington, D.C.
The Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowship 2026–27 is a prestigious, fully funded program hosted by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) in Washington, D.C. This world-renowned fellowship brings together democracy activists, civil society leaders, journalists, scholars, and thought leaders from across the globe for a transformative five-month residential experience. Named after former U.S. President Ronald Reagan and democracy advocate Václav Havel (whose pen name was “Fascell”), the fellowship is designed to strengthen democratic institutions, encourage innovative research, and empower individuals working to advance freedom and human rights in their home countries.
Every year, NED selects accomplished individuals who are deeply committed to democratic development and equips them with the space, tools, and resources to carry out independent research, develop practical strategies, build professional networks, and collaborate with peers working on similar goals. Fellows spend five months fully immersed at NED’s headquarters, partnering with experts from the International Forum for Democratic Studies, one of the world’s leading centers for analyzing democratic transitions, authoritarian trends, and global governance challenges.
This fellowship offers a rare and valuable opportunity for mid-career professionals to step back from their daily responsibilities and focus on a significant project that contributes to global understanding of democracy, governance, human rights, civil liberties, and political reform. Whether practitioners are developing advocacy strategies or scholars are producing academic research, the fellowship creates an environment that encourages intellectual growth, strategic reflection, and meaningful collaboration.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The Reagan-Fascell Fellowship is unique because it welcomes both practitioners and scholars, making it one of the few programs that supports both applied democracy work and academic study. Fellows come from a wide range of backgrounds—including media, law, human rights, civic activism, NGO leadership, and academia—and work on topics such as:
- Democratic governance
- Human rights protection
- Civil society strengthening
- Media freedom and digital rights
- Anti-corruption measures
- Transitional justice
- Civic education
- Electoral integrity
Beyond research, fellows take part in enriching activities such as seminars, workshops, roundtable discussions, professional networking events, museum visits, and cultural exchanges. These activities expose them not only to U.S. democratic institutions but also to the diverse social, cultural, and political landscape of Washington, D.C.
Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowship 2026–27: Key Details
Host Country: United States
Host Organization: National Endowment for Democracy (NED)
Location: Washington, D.C.
Fellowship Duration: Five months
This fellowship is offered in two tracks:
- Practitioners Track – for mid-career democracy advocates and human rights professionals
- Scholars Track – for academics, researchers, and writers with a strong publication record
Benefits of the Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowship 2026
The fellowship is fully funded and provides a wide range of benefits to ensure that fellows can carry out their work comfortably and effectively:
✔ Monthly Stipend
A generous monthly allowance is provided to cover living expenses throughout the fellowship.
✔ Health Insurance
Comprehensive medical insurance is fully covered by the organization.
✔ Fully Furnished Housing
Fellows receive accommodation in a furnished rental apartment in Washington, D.C., ensuring a comfortable stay.
✔ Roundtrip Airfare
Travel expenses to and from Washington, D.C., are fully paid.
✔ Living Expense Support
Daily living needs—including meals, local transportation, and other personal necessities—are covered.
✔ Professional Workspace
Each fellow is provided with a fully equipped office, including internet access and essential research tools.
✔ Support for Communication and Travel
A limited budget is available for professional travel and long-distance communication related to fellowship work.
✔ Networking and Career Development
Fellows engage with leading democracy experts, researchers, and institutions—expanding their global networks.
Eligibility Criteria for the Reagan-Fascell Fellowship 2026
Applicants must meet specific requirements that differ slightly between the practitioner and scholar tracks.
General Eligibility (Applies to All Applicants)
- Must be fluent in written and spoken English
- Must submit a project proposal focused on political, economic, social, legal, or cultural aspects of democracy
- Must be available in Washington, D.C. for the full five-month residential program
Practitioners Track Requirements
This track is ideal for mid-career professionals actively working to advance democracy.
Applicants must:
- Be mid-career professionals (e.g., journalists, human rights activists, NGO leaders, civic educators, policy advocates)
- Have demonstrated significant practical experience in advancing democracy or human rights within their country or region
Practitioners typically work on developing strategies, tools, advocacy campaigns, or practical solutions related to democratic development.
Scholars Track Requirements
This track is tailored for academics and researchers.
Applicants must:
- Hold a PhD or equivalent academic degree
- Have a strong record of publications in a relevant field
- Submit a detailed research outline aligned with the fellowship’s goals
Scholars generally work on academic research, books, analyses, or scholarly articles.
How to Apply for the Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowship 2026
Applying is a straightforward online process. Follow these steps:
- Visit the official application portal and create an account using your email.
- Log in using your credentials to begin the application.
- Complete all sections, including personal information, professional background, and project proposal.
- Upload all required documents, such as:
- Updated CV or résumé
- Project proposal
- Academic transcripts (for scholars)
- Letters of recommendation
- Review the application carefully to avoid errors.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
Incomplete applications are not considered.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the 2025–2026 Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowship is:
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Late submissions will not be accepted. APPLY HERE
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