The African Poetry Digital Portal Project, supported by a significant grant from the Andrew Mellon Foundation, is inviting applications for the 2026 African Poetry Digital Humanities Grant. This $10,000 award is dedicated to scholars and researchers who place African Poetry at the center of their humanistic inquiry using advanced computing technologies. The grant supports projects spanning a 12-month period, encouraging researchers to utilize the Portal’s resources to explore regional variances and archival complexities. Eligible applicants must submit a detailed project narrative, technological requirements, and a budget. The deadline for this specialized Digital Humanities opportunity is January 23, 2026.
African Poetry Digital Humanities Grant 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Initiative | African Poetry Digital Portal Project |
| Funding Source | Andrew Mellon Foundation |
| Grant Amount | $10,000 |
| Research Focus | African Poetry & Digital Humanities |
| Duration | 12-Month Project Period |
| Target Group | Scholars and Researchers |
| Application Deadline | January 23, 2026 |
African Poetry Digital Portal Details
The African Poetry Digital Humanities Grant 2026 is a prestigious initiative designed to expand the impact of the African Poetry Digital Portal within the global academic community. By integrating traditional humanistic study with modern computing, the grant seeks to uncover the “multifaceted nature of African Poetry,” ranging from its performative elements to its historical fabric in contemporary societies.
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Proposals are expected to move beyond conventional literary analysis, utilizing digital research methods to navigate the archival and textual complexity of African poetic traditions. This grant serves as a bridge for scholars to explore the vast possibilities afforded by the Digital Humanities field, ensuring that the rich heritage of African poetry is preserved and analyzed through a technologically advanced lens.
Benefits and Specific Scholarship Awards of the African Poetry Grant
The grant is structured to provide significant financial and institutional support for high-level digital research.
Tier 1: Digital Humanities Research Grant ($10,000)
- Project Funding: A direct grant of $10,000 to cover research-related expenses, personnel tasks, and technological requirements for 12 months.
- Portal Resource Access: Exclusive encouragement and support to utilize the extensive resources, archives, and datasets within the African Poetry Digital Portal.
Tier 2: Technological & Infrastructure Support
- Computing Resources: Funding for specific software, hosting fees, and server time necessary to execute complex digital humanities projects.
- Archival Complexity Support: Assistance in navigating performative elements and regional variances through the Portal’s digital infrastructure.
Tier 3: Academic Visibility & Impact
- Scholarship Expansion: Opportunity to publish findings and expand the impact of the Portal in the broader community of African Digital Humanities scholarship.
- Methodological Recognition: Recognition as a primary researcher in a field that applies computing technologies to traditional humanistic inquiry.
Eligibility Requirements for African Poetry Digital Portal Grant 2026
- Academic/Leadership: Open to established scholars and researchers with a demonstrated background in African Poetry or Digital Humanities.
- Study Status: Projects must focus on African Poetry as the central research theme and utilize digital research methods.
- Visa Status: (Not applicable) The grant is open to international scholars; however, funds cannot be used for personal computer purchases.
- Program Admission: Applicants must provide a detailed 3-page project narrative including an abstract, research approach, and technical milestones.
How to Apply for African Poetry Digital Portal Grant 2026 (Step by Step)
- Apply for Program: Prepare a comprehensive project proposal (max 3 pages) including an abstract, narrative, and technological requirements.
- Automatic Evaluation: Proposals are initially screened to ensure the central focus is African Poetry and that digital methods are employed.
- Eligibility Assessment: A selection committee evaluates the project’s structure, timeline, budget justification, and the researcher’s C.V.
- Notification of Award: Successful grantees will be notified to begin their 12-month research cycle following the January 23 deadline.
Application Deadline: January 23, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the main focus of the APDH Grant?
The grant supports research that uses digital methods to explore African Poetry, its history, and its contemporary impact.
2. Can I use the $10,000 to buy a new laptop?
No, the grant guidelines explicitly state that personal computer purchases are not permitted.
3. Who is the primary funder of this grant?
The project is funded by a grant from the Andrew Mellon Foundation.
4. What is the maximum length for the project proposal?
The project narrative and proposal should not exceed three pages, excluding the one-page budget.
5. Do I need to use the APDH Grant Portal?
Yes, applicants are encouraged and expected to utilize the resources provided by the Portal in their research.
6. Is this grant open to independent researchers?
Yes, it is open to both scholars affiliated with institutions and independent researchers with a track record in DH.
7. What should be included in the technological requirements section?
You must specify any equipment, software, server time, or hosting needs required for the project.
8. How long is the project period?
The grant is designed to support a project for a duration of 12 months.
9. What is the limit for the abstract?
The abstract for the project proposal must be a maximum of 300 words.
10. When is the final deadline for the 2026 grant cycle?
Applications for the African Poetry Digital Humanities Grant close on January 23, 2026.
