The Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program, named after former U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Congressman Dante Fascell, is a prestigious, internationally recognized fellowship hosted by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) in Washington, D.C. This program provides democracy activists, journalists, civil society leaders, and scholars from around the world a unique opportunity to conduct independent research on democratic development while engaging with global experts in a rich intellectual environment.
What the Fellowship Offers
The fellowship spans five months, giving participants a chance to:
- Conduct original research or applied projects related to democracy in a country or region of their choice.
- Participate in seminars, roundtables, and field trips to deepen understanding of democratic practices worldwide.
- Develop professional networks within NED’s global democracy community.
- Produce a final project such as a research paper, toolkit, article, podcast, video, or report to advance knowledge of democratic development.
The program now functions as NED’s “Democracy Accelerator”, designed to foster innovative ideas, transnational collaboration, and practical solutions for challenges facing democracy globally.
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Fellowship Tracks
The program offers two tracks:
Practitioner Track
Ideal for mid-career professionals from developing or non-democratic countries, the practitioner track targets those with hands-on experience in promoting democracy or human rights. There are no specific degree requirements, but applicants are expected to have substantial experience in fields such as:
- Civil society leadership
- Journalism and media
- Human rights advocacy
- Political party work
- Legal activism or labor union engagement
Scholarly Track
This track is tailored for distinguished scholars, primarily from established democracies, who possess a Ph.D. or academic equivalent and a proven record of publications. Candidates are expected to have developed a detailed research proposal for their fellowship project. Examples include:
- University professors
- Analysts at think tanks or research centers
- Public intellectuals and writers
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Eligibility Criteria
All applicants must:
- Demonstrate proficiency in English
- Propose a project addressing political, social, economic, legal, or cultural aspects of democratic development
- Be available for full-time residency in Washington, D.C. for the entire five-month fellowship period (October 1–February 28 or March 1–July 31)
Additional criteria by track:
- Practitioner track: substantial experience promoting democracy or human rights
- Scholarly track: doctorate and publications in the field
Note: Former Reagan-Fascell Fellows are not eligible for repeat fellowships.
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How to Apply
The application process is conducted through NED’s online portal. Applicants must submit:
- Personal information
- Project proposal for the chosen track
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume/CV and biography
All materials must be submitted in English. The program emphasizes originality and authentic voice, limiting the use of AI in applications to idea generation, editing guidance, or translation only.
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Financial Support
Selected fellows receive:
- Monthly stipend to cover living expenses and short-term furnished housing
- Health insurance
- Roundtrip travel to and from Washington, D.C.
- A fully equipped office and professional support for project completion
Fellows may bring family members, but travel and living costs for dependents are the responsibility of the fellow.
Application Deadlines
- Application deadline: Wednesday, December 31, 2025
- Recommendation letters deadline: Wednesday, January 7, 2026, 5:00 PM Eastern Time
- Notification of results: Late spring 2026
Fellowship Project Focus
Projects should explore the prospects for democracy in a country or region, including political, social, economic, legal, and cultural aspects. Fellows work closely with NED staff to develop a tailored action plan, addressing challenges such as:
- Authoritarian influence
- Digital technology risks and opportunities
- Transnational repression
The fellowship serves as a laboratory for democratic experimentation, offering fellows an opportunity to share insights that can have transnational impact.
Selection Process
Applications are evaluated rigorously by NED staff and the Board of Directors. Fellowships are highly competitive, and deferrals are rarely granted. Successful applicants are chosen based on their track record, potential for democratic impact, and project originality.
