The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) is inviting applications for its NED Fellowships 2027–2028 in Washington, D.C., United States. The 2027–2028 cycle includes two international programmes: the Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program for experienced democracy practitioners and scholars, and the Hurford Youth Fellowship 2027 for emerging youth leaders aged 30 or younger. Both fellowships are designed to strengthen democratic development, promote civic participation, develop leadership skills, encourage independent research, and connect individuals working to advance democracy and human rights across countries and regions.
Complete guide to the NED Fellowships 2027–2028 covering the two fellowship programmes, tracks, duration and sessions, eligibility criteria, research project and expected outputs, financial support and benefits, application steps, important dates and official links.
Quick Highlights of the NED Fellowships 2027–2028
Parameter
Details
Organization
National Endowment for Democracy (NED), International Forum for Democratic Studies
Reagan-Fascell: English proficiency + substantial practical experience (Practitioner) or PhD/equivalent + publication record (Scholarly). Hurford Youth: age 30 or younger + commitment to youth participation in democracy
Experience Required
Several years of relevant experience for Practitioner Track; proven publication record for Scholarly Track; relevant youth mobilization/civic engagement experience for Hurford
Sector
Democracy, Human Rights and Civic Engagement
Preferred Applicants
Democracy advocates, civic leaders, human rights defenders, journalists, researchers, scholars and emerging youth leaders from around the world; citizens of any country may apply (Reagan-Fascell)
Working Language
English (research products may be in English or another language)
Application Method
Online application system
Application Email
Not specified
Email Subject
Not specified
Application Deadline
January 5, 2027 (Reagan-Fascell); recommendation letters by January 12, 2027; Hurford deadline: check official Hurford application page
The National Endowment for Democracy hosts both fellowships through its International Forum for Democratic Studies, a centre for research, analysis, discussion and professional exchange on democratic development worldwide. The Reagan-Fascell programme is supported through federal funding, while the Hurford Youth Fellowship is made possible through the generous support of the Hurford Foundation.
Area
Details
Fellowship host
International Forum for Democratic Studies, NED
Reagan-Fascell funding
Federal funding
Hurford Youth funding
Hurford Foundation
Reagan-Fascell namesake
Former U.S. President Ronald Reagan and the late Congressman Dante Fascell
Core institutes exposure
Fellows learn about the work of NED and its core institutes
Programme focus
Strengthening democracy, human rights, freedom and civic participation through research and professional exchange
Fellowship Programmes at a Glance
Programme
Duration
Fellowship Period
Target Group
Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program 2027–2028
Five months
Fall 2027: November 1, 2027 – March 31, 2028; Spring 2028: May 1, 2028 – September 30, 2028
Experienced democracy practitioners and scholars
Hurford Youth Fellowship 2027
Four months
May 1, 2027 – August 31, 2027
Emerging youth leaders aged 30 or younger
Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowship Tracks and Who They Suit
Track
Details
Practitioner Track
For experienced professionals directly involved in promoting democracy, protecting human rights, strengthening civil society or supporting democratic institutions; no specific university degree or PhD required, but substantial practical experience must be demonstrated; no formal age limit, though applicants are generally mid-career professionals
Scholarly Track
For academics, researchers, university professors, writers and established intellectuals conducting original research on democratic development; requires a doctoral degree (PhD or academic equivalent) at the time of application, a proven publication record and a detailed research outline; distinguished scholars from the United States and other established democracies are also eligible
Key Responsibilities
Research Project
Responsibility
Details
Research topic
A subject related to democratic development in a particular country or region, reflecting the applicant's professional experience, expertise and interests
Possible themes
Political, social, economic, legal and cultural aspects of democratic development; challenges facing civil society; democratic participation and civic engagement; digital technology and democratic institutions; authoritarian influence and transnational repression; opportunities for strengthening democratic practices
International relevance
Fellows consider the wider international implications of their research and how findings and proposed solutions may be relevant to other countries and regions
Collaboration
Fellows work with programme staff and NED colleagues to develop the research project and identify practical ways to address democratic challenges
Fellowship Activities and Professional Development
Responsibility
Details
Professional exchange
Engage with other fellows, researchers, civil society professionals, journalists and representatives of relevant institutions
Events
Seminars, roundtable discussions, educational activities and field trips
Networking
Build relationships with academic and civil society communities and identify opportunities for future professional collaboration
Institutional learning
Understand the work of NED and its core institutes and explore contemporary challenges affecting democracy
Expected Research Outputs
Output
Details
Written or audiovisual product
Research articles, reports and policy papers, handbooks and practical toolkits, publications and analytical papers, podcasts, videos or other relevant materials
Final presentation
A formal presentation during which fellows share research findings, professional insights or analysis of an important democratic issue
Language
Products may be produced in English or another language, but sufficient English proficiency is required for professional communication and participation
Hurford Youth Fellowship Project and Activities
Area
Details
Project focus
A project addressing an important democratic challenge in the fellow's country or region and its implications for young people, showing how youth participation, leadership and civic engagement contribute to democratic development
Project outputs
At least one project-related product such as articles and research publications, handbooks and practical guides, advocacy toolkits, podcasts, digital or technology-based tools, videos or other relevant materials (in English or another language)
Activities
Seminars and educational discussions, roundtable meetings, field trips, professional networking events, discussions on democratic challenges, and meetings with government, civil society, academic and media communities
Networking
Exchanges of ideas with other fellows and democracy advocates, and relationships with emerging leaders and professionals in democracy-related fields worldwide
Minimum Qualifications and Experience
Requirement
Details
English proficiency (both programmes)
Must demonstrate sufficient English proficiency for professional communication and participation
Research proposal (Reagan-Fascell)
Must focus on political, social, economic, legal or cultural aspects of democratic development
Availability (Reagan-Fascell)
Must be available for the full five-month fellowship in Washington, D.C.
Track qualifications (Reagan-Fascell)
Practitioner: substantial practical experience promoting democracy or human rights. Scholarly: PhD or equivalent doctoral qualification, proven publication record and detailed research outline
Application materials language
All required application materials must be submitted in English
Age (Hurford Youth)
30 years of age or younger
Commitment (Hurford Youth)
Demonstrated commitment to advancing youth participation in democracy
Experience (Hurford Youth)
Relevant experience in youth mobilization, civic engagement or democratic change
Availability (Hurford Youth)
Prepared to participate in the four-month fellowship in Washington, D.C.
Project motivation (Hurford Youth)
Ability and motivation to develop a meaningful fellowship project
Nationality
Citizens of any country may apply (Reagan-Fascell), subject to eligibility requirements; Hurford Youth is open to emerging youth leaders from around the world
Additional Skills That Strengthen an Application
Skill
Details
Practical democracy experience
Substantial hands-on work promoting democracy or human rights strengthens Practitioner Track applications
Academic publication record
A proven record of publications supports Scholarly Track applications
Clear research proposal
Should explain the democratic issue to be examined, its importance, the applicant's relevant experience and expected research outcomes (Reagan-Fascell)
Youth mobilization experience
Highlighting involvement in youth mobilization, democratic participation, civil society activities and leadership initiatives strengthens Hurford applications
Project design
A well-developed project idea addressing a democratic challenge affecting young people (Hurford)
Professional biography
An updated CV/resume and professional biography are part of the application package
Who Should Apply
Background
Details
Human rights advocates and defenders
Yes — Practitioner Track
Civil society leaders and activists
Yes — Practitioner Track
Democracy campaigners
Yes — Practitioner Track
Political party figures and activists
Yes — Practitioner Track
Human rights lawyers
Yes — Practitioner Track
Journalists and media professionals
Yes — Practitioner Track
Parliamentarians
Yes — Practitioner Track
Labour union activists and leaders
Yes — Practitioner Track
Professionals with civic and humanitarian organizations
Yes — Practitioner Track
University professors and academic researchers
Yes — Scholarly Track
Political and social science scholars
Yes — Scholarly Track
Think tank and research institution researchers
Yes — Scholarly Track
Analysts specialising in democratic development
Yes — Scholarly Track
Established writers and public intellectuals
Yes — Scholarly Track
Young democracy advocates and youth activists
Yes — Hurford Youth Fellowship
Emerging civic leaders and young human rights advocates
Yes — Hurford Youth Fellowship
Members of youth-led civil society organizations
Yes — Hurford Youth Fellowship (priority consideration for those affiliated with civic organizations, human rights groups and democracy initiatives)
Young professionals in democratic participation initiatives
Yes — Hurford Youth Fellowship
Youth organizers strengthening civic engagement
Yes — Hurford Youth Fellowship
Salary and Employment Benefits
Detail
Information
Monthly living stipend (Reagan-Fascell)
Monthly stipend to cover living expenses, calculated to cover a short-term furnished rental apartment
Health insurance
Basic health insurance coverage provided (both programmes)
International travel (Reagan-Fascell)
Round-trip travel to and from Washington, D.C., at the beginning and end of the fellowship
Office facilities (Reagan-Fascell)
Access to a fully equipped office
Professional resources (Reagan-Fascell)
Research assistance, editorial guidance and opportunities to interact with NED staff and other experts
Professional travel support (Reagan-Fascell)
Limited budget available for professional travel within the United States
Monthly stipend (Hurford Youth)
Financial support for living expenses, calculated to cover a short-term furnished rental apartment
Round-trip airfare (Hurford Youth)
Economy-class travel to and from Washington, D.C., at the beginning and end of the fellowship
Professional development (Hurford Youth)
Participation in seminars, roundtables and educational activities
Networking (both programmes)
Part of an international network of democracy advocates, practitioners, journalists, scholars and youth leaders
Dependents
The programme does not ordinarily cover dependents' travel and living expenses; fellows are responsible for additional costs for accompanying family members
How to Apply
Step
Action
1
Visit the official Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowship application page (or the official Hurford Youth Fellowship webpage for the youth programme)
2
Create an applicant account through the online application portal
3
Select the appropriate fellowship track for Reagan-Fascell: Practitioner or Scholarly
4
Indicate the preferred fellowship session (Fall 2027 or Spring 2028)
5
Complete the applicant information section
6
Prepare a detailed project proposal relevant to the selected track (Reagan-Fascell) or a project idea addressing a democratic challenge affecting young people (Hurford)
7
Arrange the required letters of recommendation (Reagan-Fascell)
8
Prepare an updated resume or curriculum vitae and professional biography
9
Review the application to ensure all information is accurate
10
Submit all required documents in English before the application deadline
Important Dates
Event
Date
Reagan-Fascell application deadline
January 5, 2027
Reagan-Fascell recommendation letters deadline
January 12, 2027
Reagan-Fascell Fall 2027 session
November 1, 2027 – March 31, 2028
Reagan-Fascell Spring 2028 session
May 1, 2028 – September 30, 2028
Hurford Youth Fellowship 2027
May 1, 2027 – August 31, 2027
Hurford Youth Fellowship deadline
Not specified — check the official Hurford application page
Important Application Considerations
Consideration
Details
Choosing a programme
Reagan-Fascell is primarily for experienced practitioners and qualified scholars; Hurford Youth is for emerging youth leaders aged 30 or younger
Research proposal (Reagan-Fascell)
A particularly important part of the application; must clearly demonstrate expertise, research objectives and the relevance of the topic to democratic development
Youth mobilization (Hurford)
Applicants should clearly explain their involvement in youth mobilization and how their proposed project addresses a democratic challenge affecting young people
Residency commitment
Both programmes require participation in Washington, D.C., during the specified fellowship periods; candidates must commit to the full duration
Restrictions
Former Reagan-Fascell fellows are not eligible for another fellowship through the programme; applicants should review restrictions concerning ongoing degree studies, other employment and previous participation in certain J-1 exchange programmes
Official instructions
Candidates should consult the official NED webpages for the latest application instructions, eligibility conditions and programme information before submitting
Important Links (Direct URLs)
Description
URL
Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program – Official Application and Eligibility
Two international fellowship programmes in Washington, D.C.: the Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program 2027–2028 (five months) and the Hurford Youth Fellowship 2027 (four months)
Q2. Who hosts the fellowships?
The National Endowment for Democracy (NED), through its International Forum for Democratic Studies
Q3. What is the Reagan-Fascell application deadline?
January 5, 2027, with letters of recommendation due by January 12, 2027
Q4. What is the Hurford Youth Fellowship deadline?
Not specified in the available information — check the official Hurford application page
Q5. What are the Reagan-Fascell fellowship sessions?
Fall 2027: November 1, 2027 – March 31, 2028; Spring 2028: May 1, 2028 – September 30, 2028 (five months each)
Q6. When does the Hurford Youth Fellowship take place?
May 1, 2027 – August 31, 2027 (four months) in Washington, D.C.
Q7. Who is eligible for the Hurford Youth Fellowship?
Emerging youth leaders aged 30 or younger with a commitment to advancing youth participation in democracy and relevant experience in youth mobilization, civic engagement or democratic change
Q8. Do I need a PhD for the Reagan-Fascell fellowship?
Only for the Scholarly Track, which requires a doctoral degree or academic equivalent, a proven publication record and a detailed research outline; the Practitioner Track does not require a specific degree or PhD
Q9. What financial support is provided?
A monthly living stipend (calculated to cover a short-term furnished apartment), basic health insurance, and round-trip travel to and from Washington, D.C.; Reagan-Fascell fellows also receive office facilities, research assistance, editorial guidance and a limited professional travel budget
Q10. Are family members covered?
No — the programme does not ordinarily cover dependents' travel and living expenses; fellows are responsible for those additional costs
Q11. Can former fellows reapply?
Former Reagan-Fascell fellows are not eligible to receive another fellowship through the programme
Q12. How do I apply?
Through the official NED online application system: select your track and session, prepare a project proposal, arrange recommendation letters (Reagan-Fascell), and submit all materials in English before the deadline
Final Call-to-Action
Step
Action
1
Review the eligibility criteria for your chosen programme and track
2
Prepare your research or project proposal, CV and professional biography
3
Arrange recommendation letters for the Reagan-Fascell programme before January 12, 2027
4
Submit your application online by January 5, 2027 (Reagan-Fascell) and check the official Hurford page for its deadline
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