Frequently Asked Questions

What are Guggenheim Fellowships?

Guggenheim Fellowships are grants to selected individuals made for a minimum of six months and a maximum of twelve months. The average amount of Fellowship grants in the 2008 United States and Canada competition was approximately $43,200. Since the purpose of the Guggenheim Fellowship program is to help provide Fellows with blocks of time in which they can work with as much creative freedom as possible, grants are made freely. No special conditions attach to them, and Fellows may spend their grant funds in any manner they deem necessary to their work. The United States Internal Revenue Service, however, does require the Foundation to ask for reports from its Fellows at the end of their Fellowship terms. 

How does the Foundation define "advanced professional"?

The Foundation understands advanced professionals to be those who as writers, scholars, or scientists have a significant record of publication, or as artists, playwrights, filmmakers, photographers, composers, or the like, have a significant record of exhibition or performance of their work. 

How does the Foundation define "performing arts"?

The Foundation understands the performing arts to be those in which an individual interprets work created by others.  Accordingly, the Foundation will provide Fellowships to composers but not conductors, singers, or instrumentalists; choreographers but not dancers; filmmakers, playwrights, and performance artists who create their own work but not actors or theater directors.

What is the amount of a grant?

The amounts of grants vary and will be adjusted to the needs of Fellows, considering their other resources and the purpose and scope of their plans. Members of the teaching profession receiving sabbatical leave on full or part salary are eligible for appointment, as are those holding other fellowships and appointments at research centers.

When is the deadline? 

For the United States and Canada competition, the deadline is September 15.

For the Latin America and Caribbean competition, the deadline is December 1.

Is the announced deadline final?

Yes. Late applications will be returned.

What happens if the deadline falls on a weekend?

If the deadline falls on a weekend, we will accept applications through the following Monday.

If I have already received a Fellowship, am I eligible to apply for another?

No, second Fellowships are not granted.  Although in the early years of the Foundation, Fellows were sometimes granted second Fellowships or renewals, the Foundation has discontinued that practice.