Application Deadline:
15 January 2026
About Organisation
The Recovering Voices initiative, housed within the Smithsonian Institution, is dedicated to supporting Indigenous communities in preserving, revitalizing, and advancing their linguistic and cultural heritage. By connecting communities with Smithsonian collections, archives, and research specialists, the program fosters meaningful collaborations that honor traditional knowledge systems. Recovering Voices emphasizes community-led approaches, ensuring that initiatives reflect cultural priorities and strengthen intergenerational transmission. Through research support, documentation assistance, and access to historic materials, the program enables Indigenous knowledge bearers, scholars, and practitioners to reconnect with ancestral resources. Its mission is to empower communities globally in safeguarding languages, traditions, and cultural continuity.
About the Grant
The Recovering Voices Community Research Grant supports Indigenous and community-based cultural and language revitalization projects that require access to the Smithsonian’s collections or expertise. The grant funds short-term research visits that help communities reconnect with cultural materials, enhance documentation efforts, and strengthen knowledge systems. Applicants can receive up to USD 10,000 to cover travel, research activities, and related project costs. The program prioritizes initiatives that demonstrate community leadership, cultural relevance, and clear impact on language or cultural revitalization. By facilitating direct community engagement with historic collections, the grant promotes deeper understanding, continuity, and preservation of cultural heritage.
Who can Apply?
The grant is open to Indigenous individuals, community organizations, cultural practitioners, language workers, and researchers leading community-rooted projects. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a clear connection to the community they represent and show that their proposed work directly benefits cultural or linguistic revitalization efforts. Projects must require access to the Smithsonian’s collections, archives, or specialists. Collaborative proposals involving elders, youth, educators, or cultural leaders are encouraged. Applicants should outline the cultural significance of their project, its expected community impact, and how the research visit will support long-term heritage preservation. Only community-driven and culturally grounded initiatives will be considered.
How to Apply?
Applicants must prepare a project proposal outlining goals, community relevance, expected outcomes, and why Smithsonian resources are required. A budget, timeline, and community support statement must be included. Supporting documents such as CVs, letters of endorsement, or partner details may be required. Applications must be submitted directly to the program through its official submission channel. Strong emphasis is placed on cultural purpose, feasibility, and community leadership in the project design.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Recovering Voices Community Research Grant is 15 January 2026. All required materials must be submitted by this date for consideration.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
