Tinker Field Research Grant

Fall 2024 Competition –

Deadline for Winter/Spring 2025 Research:  Sunday, October 20, 2024

Spring 2025 Competition –

Deadline for Summer 2025 Research: Monday, February 10, 2025

Funds are for MA or pre-dissertation PhD field research (ABD students are ineligible) in a Spanish- or Portuguese-speaking Latin American country or countries. Students pursuing professional degrees are also eligible. The amount of the individual awards will depend on project design and budget. The maximum amount for an award is $3,500, which is to be applied only to research-related travel expenses. 

Students are expected to undertake at least two weeks of research, and attending study abroad courses or conferences does not count towards the research period. Tinker grants are meant for graduate students to undertake their first research in Latin America; therefore, repeat applications by the same student for the same country is prohibited except when the topics and regions of the country are completely different. Applications for travel within one year of a prior Tinker by the same student will not be considered.

For examples on how past Tinker Field Research Grant recipients have used their award, attend the weekly Merienda presentations in Bailey 318 at 12 noon. For the schedule of Meriendas, refer to the CLACS Weekly Update.

Applications should include: 

• Proposal, not to exceed 4 double-spaced pages, which describes the student’s proposed project, including:
  • disciplinary and/or country significance
  • planned contribution to student’s academic career
  • any established in-country research contacts or those one plans to make
  • language abilities
  • anticipated research timeline
• Estimated, detailed budget
  • airfare (list international and in-country flights)
  • airport transfers
  • baggage fees
  • visa
  • travel health insurance (through Study Abroad)
  • immunization
  • lodging (by location)
  • local transportation (taxi, bus)
  • car rental and gas
  • food (per diem)
  • translator if needed
  • books/photocopying/ digitization if needed
  • scientific equipment if needed
• Unofficial transcripts from graduate work (KU Advising Report) 

Two letters of recommendation are also required. PLEASE NOTE: References will NOT receive an automatically generated email prompting them to submit a letter on your behalf. It is YOUR responsibility to give your references the link to this page so they can submit their Recommendation Letters by clicking on the blue button below. Students are encouraged to speak with references and provide them with your Proposal well in advance of the application deadline (02/10/2025). Letters of recommendation are also due by the deadline 02/10/2025.

If you have questions or issues, contact the CLACS Administrative Associate, Mariya Borisova.