First Book Grant for Scholars of Color

The First Book Grant for Scholars of Color (FBG) provides grants up to $55,000 (USD) supporting research leaves to complete book projects about Christian faith and life, pastoral leadership, the practice of ministry, trends and movements in Christianity, and Christian-related institutions and social issues. The First Book Grant supports early-career scholars of color, especially those teaching at theological schools, while they complete research and writing for publication of their first book (or a second book, if necessary for tenure). We are especially interested in projects that demonstrate a desire to bridge the North American church and academy, and preference is given to studies already underway (e.g., projects under contract or consideration with a publisher).

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

Application due date: January 15, 2026 (11:59 p.m. EDT)

Project grant amount: up to $55,000 (USD)

Project timeframe: academic year 2026-2027 of calendar year 2027

Awards announced: April 2026

Winter Seminar: January 2027

What is the First Book Grant for Scholars of Color?

The First Book Grant for Scholars of Color (FBG) supports research leaves to complete book projects about Christian faith and life, pastoral leadership, the practice of ministry, trends and movements in Christianity, and Christian-related institutions and social issues. The First Book Grant supports early-career scholars of color, especially those teaching at theological schools, while they complete research and writing for publication of their first book (or a second book, if necessary for tenure). We are especially interested in projects that demonstrate a desire to bridge the North American church and academy, and preference is given to studies already underway (e.g., projects under contract or consideration with a publisher).

Applicants should be pre-tenured faculty members working in full-time, tenure-track or renewable contract/continual academic positions at accredited institutions of higher education (seminary, theological school, or college/university) in the United States or Canada. The FBG typically buys academic release that enables scholars to spend a full school year devoted to the research project free from teaching and administrative responsibilities. Grants awarded in the 2026 cycle will fund sabbaticals taking place during the 2026-2027 academic year, or during the 2027 calendar year. You can read more about previous FBG grantees and their projects on our website.

What do I need to know to apply?

Who is eligible for a First Book Grant?

Eligible candidates: 

    • are self-identified persons of color
    • have earned a terminal research degree, typically a Ph.D. or Th.D.
    • are pre-tenured faculty members working in full-time, tenure-track or renewable contract/continual academic positions at accredited institutions of higher education (seminary, theological school, or college/university) in the United States or Canada
    • can negotiate release time of up to a full academic year free from teaching and administrative responsibilities
    • are engaged in a scholarly research project leading to publication of their first book, or a second book if necessary for tenure at their institution
    • may work in various fields such as history, systematic and practical theology, social science, ethics, biblical studies, etc., or be interdisciplinary

Additional eligibility information:

    • Doctoral students are not eligible for a First Book Grant but may be eligible for one of our fellowship programs.

See additional stipulations below. For questions about grant eligibility, please email grants@louisville-institute.org.

How can I use First Book Grant funds?

    • FBG funds typically buy release time from academic duties, usually to support a second term or semester of academic release to supplement an existing semester/term sabbatical. If you work at an institution that does not grant sabbaticals and/or if you are in a full-time, permanent teaching position that does not include sabbatical leave, you must contact us to discuss your eligibility before applying for this grant: grants@louisville-institute.org.
    • It is common for the total amount of a First Book Grant budget to be designated for salary/benefit replacement.
    • If you are requesting sabbatical funds for research materials or assistance, travel, or other resources, you will need to prepare a line-item budget and an explanatory budget narrative.

For questions about grant proposals, please email grants@louisville-institute.org

What is Winter Seminar?

First Book grantees attend the Winter Seminar, a gathering where award recipients from four different Louisville Institute programs share their projects and engage in valuable collaboration. The Winter Seminar for this grant cycle will take place in January 2027, and the Louisville Institute pays all related expenses for participants. Attending this event is a requirement for receiving a First Book Grant.

How do I apply?

  1. Download the 2026 FBG Application Guide. The application guide contains the details you need. Read the guide carefully and refer to it as you prepare your application materials.
  2. Review the eligibility requirements in the guide.
  3. Create an account. Click on the “Apply” button to create an account in the application portal.
  4. Prepare your materials. Complete applications require the following (see the Application Guide for full details):
      1. General Application Information
      2. Project Summary
      3. Project Narrative
      4. Bibliography
      5. Line Item Budget & Budget Narrative
      6. Curriculum Vitae or resume
      7. Two Letters of Recommendation
      8. Letter of Release
  5. All application elements are submitted online through our application portal.
  6. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. EST January 15, 2026, and letters of recommendation are due from the recommenders January 22, 2026.

What is the Selection process for First Book Grants?

The Louisville Institute appoints a selection committee to review proposals and award First Book Grants for Scholars of Color. The selection committee meets about 8 weeks after the application due date. In recent years, we have averaged 20 applications and this year we will award 3 grants. All applicants are notified by email as soon as possible after the selection process. Awards will be announced publicly in April 2026.

Additional Eligibility Information for all Grants & Fellowships

    • You are welcome to apply again for any of our grants or fellowships – in fact, it’s very common! However, you may only apply for one grant or fellowship between June 1, 2025, and May 31, 2026.
    • Any previous fellowships or grants from the Louisville Institute must be completed and final reports submitted before applying for another LI fellowship or grant.
    • Members of the Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary staff, faculty, Board of Trustees, or student body, or their immediate family members (parents, spouses, or children), are ineligible for Louisville Institute grants or fellowships. Members of the Louisville Institute Advisory Board and their immediate family members are also ineligible to apply.
    • Louisville Institute grantees may not simultaneously hold two individual grants from Lilly Endowment-funded organizations that together total more than $55,000 (USD). Please contact us if you have any questions about this stipulation: grants@louisville-institute.org. Individual grants are those held by the same project director, not necessarily the same institution.

Questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us! grants@louisville-institute.org

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