Applicants

Fellowship Grants

The 2027 Fellowship Grant cycle will open October 15, 2026, and close January 15, 2027, at 11:59 PM.

enrolled in an accredited graduate school within the boundaries of the Founder Region
who have advanced to candidacy
who are entering the final phase of their doctoral programs

Competition is open to any outstanding graduate woman working toward a doctoral degree, preferably in the final phase of study (within the last two years), provided she has advanced to candidacy.
International students are encouraged to apply.
Applicant must be enrolled in a graduate school within Founder Region; including the Northern California counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, Solano, Sonoma; the State of Hawaii; the U. S. Territories of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands
Candidates must complete the online application and upload all supporting materials.
Candidates considered for final selection must appear for a personal interview via Zoom or in-person.

Application - completed online
Estimated Expenses and Income for the Fiscal Year (July 1 - June 30)
Autobiographical Statement (include family background, extracurricular activities, hobbies, interests, volunteer work, mentoring experience, plans after graduation)
Non-technical Summary of Dissertation/Project
Official Statement from University/College of your advancement in the doctoral program
Transcripts of all graduate work completed
Proof of current registration
Current Curriculum Vitae
One recommendation from your current academic advisor

Application process is done completely online through a grant management system as of 2023.
Students will create an account giving them access to the application & tasks.
All supporting documents can be uploaded through the student portal.
References will be automatically emailed to complete their portion online.
Apply through Community Force Portal below.

The Fellowship Grant Portal is open from mid October to mid January of each year. Check portal for exact dates.

Deadline to complete online application and upload all supporting documents is mid January of each year. Check portal for exact dates.

Hawaii Interviews: The last weekend in February
California Interviews: First weekend in March
Candidates abroad on these dates may be accommodated for their interview via Zoom video conferencing.

The awards are announced and formally presented at the Annual Founder Region Conference on the first weekend in May (except on Mother's Day weekend).
The Fellowship Program occurs on that Friday night before the first weekend in May.