The objectives of the Research and Writing Grants Competition are to support projects that explore the development of improved understandings of key topics in global security and sustainability, and to broaden and strengthen the community of writers and scholars engaged in work on these issues.

The guidelines for this competition reflect specific themes that complement the grantmaking strategies of the MacArthur Foundation’s Program on Global Security and Sustainability. For each of the annual Research and Writing Grants competitions conducted in 2002, 2003, and 2004, the foundation will accept only proposals relating to one of the following themes: Migration and Refugees; and Technological Change and Global Security and Sustainability.

For each of the above themes, proposals that deal with exclusively U.S.-based topics will not be considered, unless the topic has significant international dimensions.

Grants for research and writing support creative work in many academic disciplines and professions, as well as projects conducted outside of traditional disciplinary and professional approaches. Grants may be used by scholars in university and organizational settings or by independent researchers working outside of institutional contexts.

Grants may not be used for research or writing of the doctoral dissertation. Also ineligible for consideration are projects that include requests to hold workshops or conferences; to produce textbooks, manuals, films, works of photojournalism, or works of fiction; to edit volumes; or to develop curricular materials.

Projects that include development of an Internet site will be considered for funding only if the Internet site is in addition to a substantial written product intended for hard-copy publication. Studies that are predominantly technical or clinical in nature will not be eligible for funding.

Funding: Research and Writing Grants are awarded for periods of 18 months or less and may be made directly to researchers, universities, or research or policy institutes. Applicants may request up to $75,000 for individual projects, and may request up to $100,000 for two-person collaborations. Grant amounts are based on the proposed budget and subsequent discussion with successful applicants.
Letter of Intent: Unspecified
Deadline of Proposal Submission: February 02, 2004

Implementation Grants support the realization of interpretive exhibitions (both long-term and traveling), the interpretation of historic sites, associated interpretive project components (such as publications and public symposia), public programming, and websites. Applicants should have already identified the key humanities themes and scholarship relevant to their projects. Most of the planning and consultation with scholars and programming advisers already should have taken place.

Projects should:
- be based on sound scholarship;
- examine the subject analytically;
- address a broad set of humanities themes;
- convey significant humanities ideas to the public;
- use formats and programs creatively to engage audiences;
- examine topics and ideas in a regional or national context; and
- extend their impact by reaching beyond a local level, involving new audiences, or serving as models.

Each project should be guided by a team of advisers whose expertise complements that of the staff of the institution applying for the grant. The project team should have helped to refine the project’s themes, incorporate a variety of perspectives, draw on relevant scholarship, and develop interpretive approaches.

While scholars must be part of the project team, museum curators, museum educators, and others with experience and knowledge of the humanities or the project’s technical aspects may also participate. Most competitive proposals have a range of consultants whose expertise is tailored to the particular needs of the project.

Funding: Awards may be up to $300,000 and are usually made for a period of 24 to 36 months.
Letter of Intent: Unspecified
Deadline of Proposal Submission: February 03, 2004

Implementation Grants support the realization of programs that interpret and encourage the use of the collections of libraries and archives. Topics and interpretive themes should appeal to the interests and backgrounds of a wide range of people or directly to the project’s target audience, and special attention should be given to the educational experience of the participants. The themes that inform the project should be organized into coherent, overarching messages that would appeal to the general public. Support is available for various activities that use a range of formats, including:

1. Book and film discussion programs. Programs should be thematically organized, encourage multiple viewpoints, and be led by qualified scholars. Collection development is not supported, except when modest acquisitions are necessary (e.g., multiple copies of materials used for group discussions). Training for scholars and staff is supported in cases where scholars or the organization’s own staff may need special preparation.

2. Exhibitions (major or traveling). Exhibitions based primarily on major library or archival collections should provide visitors with a visually appealing and interactive experience. Projects centering on exhibitions usually include companion public programs, publicity materials for all venues, and related curricular materials. Applicants proposing a major exhibition are encouraged to create smaller, more portable versions, such as panel exhibitions for use in small libraries and other non-traditional venues. Applicants proposing a traveling exhibition should make plans for the exhibition to travel beyond the borders of a single state.

3. Public conferences, forums, and symposia. Programs—both content and publicity—should be aimed at public, not scholarly, audiences and relate to library or archival resources of the sponsoring institution.

4. Websites. Websites should contextualize and interpret ideas for the public in creative ways, provide users with an interactive experience, and have a clear plan for identifying and reaching their intended audiences.

Funding: Awards may be up to $300,000 and are usually made for a period of 18 to 36 months.
Letter of Intent: Unspecified
Deadline of Proposal Submission: February 03, 2004

Grants are available to published translators of literature for projects that involve the specific translation of poetry from other languages into English. The endowment encourages translations of writers and of work, which are insufficiently represented in English translation. All proposed projects must be for creative translations of published literary material into English. The work to be translated should be of interest for its literary excellence and value. Priority will be given to projects that involve work that has not yet been translated into English.

Funding: Grants are for $10,000 or $20,000, depending upon the length and scope of the project.
Letter of Intent: Unspecified
Deadline of Proposal Submission: February 03, 2004

The Leonard da Vinci World Award of Arts has been established as a means of acknowledgment to those who endeavor to create different expressions of art. The award is conferred upon a renowned artist, an avant guardist, or an authority on the subject whose work constitutes a significant contribution to the artistic legacy of the world.

Funding: The award consists of a diploma, a commemorative medal, and US$10,000
Letter of Intent: Unspecified
Deadline of Proposal Submission: Continuous. Nominations may be submitted throughout the year.