Due to budget constraints, the Dresher Center is changing how we will award scholarly research funds for the remainder of this Academic Year. Instead of rolling deadlines and rather than applying to our three distinct research funds (development, completion, and teaching faculty funds) we are implementing these guidelines.
One deadline for all applications: April 21, 2026.
One Research Fund for all applicants.
- Priority will be given to Humanities faculty (full-time, tenure track/tenured faculty and teaching faculty) and LLC PhD students. MA students, part-time faculty in the Humanities, and faculty in other disciplines engaged in Humanistic work may apply but will be assigned lower priority
Amount: Awards will generally be no more than $1,000 depending on the number of applications. A budget is required.
Eligible expenses: Priority will be given to expenses related to the completion of humanities publications and projects; research travel and expenses directly advancing publications and projects in the humanities; and related expenses to produce humanities scholarship directly related to promotion and tenure.
Use of award: expenses must be incurred BEFORE August 20, 2026.
A complete application will include:
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A letter of need explaining the purpose for the funds, the precise amount of the request, and why this support would make a difference in the scholarly goals of the applicant. Reference should also be made to why no other DRIF, departmental or CAHSS support is available or sufficient to this need.
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A brief memo (1-2 paragraphs) of support from a Chair or Graduate Program Director noting that all available departmental and CAHSS funds have been tapped first.
If you have any questions, please reach out to dreshercenter@umbc.edu