Opportunity Information: Apply for 20081001 FW
Apply for 20081001 FW
- The National Endowment for the Humanities in the humanities (see cultural affairs in cfda) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Teaching Development Fellowships" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 45.160 Promotion of the HumanitiesFellowships and Stipends.
- This funding opportunity was created on Jun 26, 2008 and posted on Jun 27, 2008.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Oct 1, 2008. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $21,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 24 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Individuals.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
Teaching Development Fellowships (TDF) is a National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) grant program designed for individual college and university faculty who want to carry out research that directly strengthens their undergraduate teaching in the humanities. The central idea is that better teaching comes from deeper subject mastery, so the fellowship supports a focused research plan that helps an instructor refresh, expand, or sharpen the intellectual foundation of a course they already teach. The program is built around three main goals: improving the depth and overall quality of humanities education in the United States, reinforcing the connection between humanities research and classroom instruction, and encouraging excellence in undergraduate teaching.
A key requirement is that the project must be tied to improving an existing undergraduate course, not inventing a new one. The course must have been taught in at least three different academic terms and must be scheduled to be taught again by the applicant in the future. NEH is clear that proposals centered on creating a new course, doing routine course prep, or generally getting ready to teach a class for the first time are not competitive under this opportunity. Instead, applicants are expected to identify a course they already know well and propose a research agenda that will meaningfully reshape or enrich what students learn in that specific class.
The research supported by TDF is meant to deepen the applicant's core knowledge as a humanities interpreter, meaning it should connect tightly to the applicant's main intellectual and teaching interests. The fellowship-funded work can take several forms, such as intensive engagement with foundational texts or primary sources, exploring related subject areas or neighboring academic disciplines that strengthen the course, or developing expertise in underexplored or neglected areas of learning that would enhance the class content. The program also allows applicants to build practical capabilities when those skills are necessary for the proposed research, including acquiring a new language or developing digital skills, as long as the skill-building serves the broader course-focused research plan.
Even though research is central, the fellowship is not aimed at producing scholarly publications as the primary outcome. The project should be designed first and foremost to improve the course and, by extension, undergraduate instruction. Research in any humanities field is eligible, as long as the work stays aligned with the program's teaching-focused purpose.
The program is described as highly selective. In its inaugural 2008 competition, NEH anticipated making about 24 awards. The funding instrument is a grant, with an award ceiling of $21,000 and no cost sharing or matching requirement. The opportunity is open only to individual applicants, not institutions.
NEH also lists several activities that the fellowship cannot support, which helps clarify the program's narrow focus. Funds may not be used to develop new courses, cover basic course preparation, improve multiple courses at once, or support projects centered on curricular or pedagogical methods and theories. It also excludes graduate-level teaching preparation, textbook research or revision, creative or performing arts projects (such as fiction, poetry, painting, dance, or performance work), and dissertations, theses, or other research tied to completing a degree program. In addition, projects that are designed to promote a particular political, philosophical, religious, or ideological viewpoint, or that advocate a specific program of social action, are not eligible.
For the 2008 cycle referenced in the announcement, the opportunity was posted June 27, 2008, with an application deadline of October 1, 2008, and an archive date of October 31, 2008. The CFDA listing is 45.160 (Promotion of the Humanities: Fellowships and Stipends). Applicants seeking more details were directed to the program guidelines page on the NEH website and to the NEH Division of Research for support, including an email contact at tdfellowships@neh.gov and a phone number at 202-606-8200.
Teaching Development Fellowships (TDF) - FAQs
What is the Teaching Development Fellowships (TDF) program?
Teaching Development Fellowships (TDF) is a National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) grant program for individual college and university faculty. It supports a focused research plan intended to directly strengthen the applicant's undergraduate teaching in the humanities, based on the idea that stronger teaching grows out of deeper subject mastery.
What is the main purpose of a TDF award?
The purpose is to fund research that refreshes, expands, or sharpens the intellectual foundation of an undergraduate humanities course the applicant already teaches. The project is expected to meaningfully reshape or enrich what students learn in that specific course.
Who can apply for TDF?
The opportunity is open only to individual applicants (not institutions). It is aimed at college and university faculty.
Are institutions allowed to apply on behalf of faculty?
No. The opportunity is explicitly limited to individual applicants, not institutions.
What types of projects are competitive under TDF?
Competitive projects propose a research agenda tightly connected to improving an existing undergraduate course the applicant already teaches. The research should deepen the applicant's knowledge in ways that clearly feed back into course content and student learning.
Does the project have to be tied to an existing course?
Yes. A key requirement is that the project must be tied to improving an existing undergraduate course, not creating a new one.
How many times must the course have been taught for it to qualify?
The course must have been taught in at least three different academic terms.
Does the course need to be scheduled to be taught again?
Yes. The course must be scheduled to be taught again by the applicant in the future.
Can I use TDF to develop a brand-new course?
No. NEH is clear that proposals centered on creating a new course are not competitive and funds may not be used to develop new courses.
Can I use TDF for routine course preparation or preparing to teach a course for the first time?
No. NEH indicates that routine course preparation and general readiness to teach a class for the first time are not competitive under this opportunity.
Can a TDF project focus on improving more than one course?
No. The fellowship cannot support improving multiple courses at once. The project is expected to focus on one specific existing undergraduate course.
What kinds of research activities can TDF support?
The fellowship supports research that deepens the applicant's subject mastery in service of the targeted course. Examples mentioned include intensive engagement with foundational texts or primary sources, exploring related subject areas or neighboring disciplines that strengthen the course, and developing expertise in underexplored or neglected areas that would enhance course content.
Can TDF funds support language learning or digital skill development?
Yes, when those skills are necessary for the proposed research and clearly serve the broader course-focused research plan. The skill-building is allowed as a means to support the research that improves the course.
Is the fellowship intended to produce scholarly publications?
Research is central, but the fellowship is not aimed at producing scholarly publications as the primary outcome. The project should be designed first and foremost to improve the course and undergraduate instruction.
What fields are eligible under TDF?
Research in any humanities field is eligible, as long as it aligns with the program's teaching-focused purpose (strengthening an existing undergraduate humanities course through research-driven subject mastery).
Is TDF focused on curricular or pedagogical theory?
No. Projects centered on curricular or pedagogical methods and theories are specifically excluded.
Can TDF support graduate-level teaching preparation?
No. Graduate-level teaching preparation is listed among the activities the fellowship cannot support.
Can TDF support textbook research or revision?
No. Textbook research or revision is excluded.
Can TDF support creative or performing arts projects?
No. Creative or performing arts projects (such as fiction, poetry, painting, dance, or performance work) are excluded.
Can I use TDF for dissertation or thesis-related research?
No. Dissertations, theses, or other research tied to completing a degree program are not eligible.
Are projects that advocate a political, philosophical, religious, or ideological viewpoint eligible?
No. Projects designed to promote a particular political, philosophical, religious, or ideological viewpoint, or that advocate a specific program of social action, are not eligible.
How much funding is available per award?
The award ceiling is $21,000.
Is cost sharing or matching required?
No. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement.
What is the funding instrument for TDF?
The funding instrument is a grant.
How competitive is the program?
The program is described as highly selective. In the inaugural 2008 competition, NEH anticipated making about 24 awards.
What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?
The CFDA listing is 45.160 (Promotion of the Humanities: Fellowships and Stipends).
When was the 2008 cycle posted and when was the deadline?
For the 2008 cycle referenced: the opportunity was posted on June 27, 2008, the application deadline was October 1, 2008, and the archive date was October 31, 2008.
Where can applicants find official guidelines and help from NEH?
Applicants were directed to the program guidelines page on the NEH website and to the NEH Division of Research for support.
How do I contact the NEH program office about TDF?
Email: tdfellowships@neh.gov. Phone: 202-606-8200.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA)
Next opportunity: HOPE VI Main Strett Grants
Previous opportunity: Little Missouri Antelope Trap Survey
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for 20081001 FW
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (20081001 FW) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Americas Historical and Cultural Organizations Planning Grants Apply for 20080827 GE Funding Number: 20080827 GE Agency: National Endowment for the Humanities Category: Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Americas Historical and Cultural Organizations Implementation Grants Apply for 20080827 GI Funding Number: 20080827 GI Agency: National Endowment for the Humanities Category: Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Scholarly Editions Apply for 20081105 RQ Funding Number: 20081105 RQ Agency: National Endowment for the Humanities Category: Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Collaborative research Apply for 20081105 RZ Funding Number: 20081105 RZ Agency: National Endowment for the Humanities Category: Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| National Digital Newspaper Program Apply for 20081104 PJ Funding Number: 20081104 PJ Agency: National Endowment for the Humanities Category: Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| Digital Humanities Start Up Grants Apply for 20081008 HD Funding Number: 20081008 HD Agency: National Endowment for the Humanities Category: Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| NEH/DFG Symposia and Workshops Program Apply for 20081104 HW Funding Number: 20081104 HW Agency: National Endowment for the Humanities Category: Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Enduring Questions Pilot Course Grants Apply for 20081113 AQ Funding Number: 20081113 AQ Agency: National Endowment for the Humanities Category: Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| Woodrow Wilson Center Fellowships Apply for WWICS002 Funding Number: WWICS002 Agency: Woodrow Wilson Center Category: Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $85,000 |
| We the People Challenge Grants in United States History, Institutions, and Culture Apply for 20090203 CZ Funding Number: 20090203 CZ Agency: National Endowment for the Humanities Category: Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Small Grants to Libraries Lincoln The Constitution and the Civil War Apply for 20090130 LL Funding Number: 20090130 LL Agency: National Endowment for the Humanities Category: Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $2,500 |
| Humanities Initiatives at Institutions with High Hispanic Enrollment Apply for 20090115 AC Funding Number: 20090115 AC Agency: National Endowment for the Humanities Category: Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Humanities Initiatives at Historically Black Colleges and Universities Apply for 20090115 AB Funding Number: 20090115 AB Agency: National Endowment for the Humanities Category: Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Humanities Initiatives at Tribal Colleges and Universities Apply for 20090115 AD Funding Number: 20090115 AD Agency: National Endowment for the Humanities Category: Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Americas Historical and Cultural Organizations Planning Grants Apply for 20090128 GE Funding Number: 20090128 GE Agency: National Endowment for the Humanities Category: Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| America s Historical and Cultural Organizations Implementation Grants Apply for 20090128 GI Funding Number: 20090128 GI Agency: National Endowment for the Humanities Category: Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Americas Media Makers Development Grants Apply for 20090128 TD Funding Number: 20090128 TD Agency: National Endowment for the Humanities Category: Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Americas Media Makers Production Grants Apply for 20090128 TR Funding Number: 20090128 TR Agency: National Endowment for the Humanities Category: Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Interpreting Americas Historic Places Planning Grants Apply for 20090128 BP Funding Number: 20090128 BP Agency: National Endowment for the Humanities Category: Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Interpreting Americas Historic Places Implementation Grants Apply for 20090128 BR Funding Number: 20090128 BR Agency: National Endowment for the Humanities Category: Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "20081001 FW", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.