Friends of Princeton University Library Research Grants (2026–2027)

The Friends of Princeton University Library (FPUL) Research Grants are short-term awards for scholars, independent researchers, and cultural heritage professionals. The primary goal is to facilitate on-site research using Princeton University Library's extensive and unique special collections, including rare books, manuscripts, archives, and distinct materials housed in libraries like the Seeley G. Mudd Manuscript Library, Marquand Library of Art and Archaeology, and the East Asian Library (Gest Collection). Grants typically range from two to four weeks and provide up to $6,000, plus transportation costs, to cover travel and living expenses. Applicants must present original, focused projects with a clear dependency on these unique materials. Beyond the general FPUL grant, several specialized funds exist for specific research areas (e.g., Hellenic studies, graphic arts, children's literature, Portuguese-speaking cultures, Age of Revolution/Enlightenment). Additionally, the Will Noel Innovative Cultural Heritage Research Grant supports projects that leverage advanced imaging technologies (photometric systems, MSI, RTI, photogrammetry) available in Princeton’s Digital Studio to democratize access to cultural heritage materials. The application cycle for 2026–2027 opens on October 13, 2025, and closes on January 14, 2026, with notifications in April 2026. Prior grant recipients are eligible to reapply for new projects.

1. **Thorough Collection Exploration:** Before applying, utilize Princeton University Library’s online catalogs and descriptions of holdings to precisely identify the unique materials essential to your research. Your project narrative must demonstrate a clear and specific reliance on these collections. 2. **Tailor Your Project Narrative:** The 1,000-word Project Narrative should compellingly explain the scholarly significance of your proposed research and explicitly detail how it depends on Princeton’s unique collections. Highlight how these materials are critical and cannot be accessed elsewhere. 3. **Highlight Qualifications:** Ensure your CV/resume effectively showcases your academic background, research experience, and publications relevant to your proposed project. 4. **Strategic Fund Selection:** Carefully consider if your research aligns with any of the specialized funds (Hellenic, Adler, Cotsen, Maxwell, Sid Lapidus, or Will Noel). Aligning with a specialized fund can potentially increase your chances, but note you cannot apply for both FPUL and Will Noel in the same cycle. 5. **Secure Strong Recommendations:** Request letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak directly to your scholarly merit, research capabilities, and the significance of your proposed work. 6. **Plan for Logistics:** Be prepared to arrange your own accommodations for the research visit, as the grant covers expenses but not direct booking. Familiarize yourself with library access policies and available research tools. 7. **Attention to Detail & Deadline:** Complete the online application form accurately, ensure all required documents (CV, Project Narrative, letters of recommendation) are uploaded or requested correctly, and submit by the January 14, 2026, 12 PM ET deadline.

This grant opportunity targets a specific niche: researchers who require direct, on-site access to Princeton University Library’s distinctive special collections. The emphasis on 'unique and special collections' and projects 'dependent on access to these unique materials' suggests a highly competitive process where specificity and necessity are key evaluation criteria. The review committee, comprising faculty, Library staff, and Friends of the Library members, will prioritize proposals that not only demonstrate high scholarly merit and strong applicant qualifications but also show an undeniable, unique connection to Princeton's holdings. The availability of specialized funds indicates an institutional commitment to particular areas of study, offering alternative avenues for applicants whose work aligns with these fields. The inclusion of the Will Noel grant highlights Princeton's investment in digital humanities and cultural heritage technology, presenting a distinct opportunity for those working with advanced imaging. However, the restriction against applying for both FPUL and Will Noel in the same cycle requires applicants to make a strategic choice based on their project's primary methodology. Successful applicants are seen as independent scholars receiving a monetary award, not employees or fellows, underscoring the grant's focus on facilitating research rather than providing institutional affiliation.