ChLA Diversity Research Grant

The Diversity Research Grant, initiated in 2013 and approved by the board for disbursement beginning in 2014, is a grant to support research related to children’s and young adult cultural artifacts (including media, culture, and texts) about populations that have been traditionally underrepresented or marginalized culturally and/or historically.  Applications for this grant are to be considered annually and will be awarded as warranted.

Submission Period:

December 15 - February 1

General Guidelines:

  • Funds may be used for - but are not restricted to -research-related expenses such as travel to special collections, subvention funds, or purchasing materials and supplies.

  • The awards may not be used for obtaining advanced degrees, for researching or writing a thesis or dissertation, for textbook writing, or for pedagogical projects.

  • Winners must be members of the Children's Literature Association before they receive any funds.

  • Winners must acknowledge ChLA in any publication or other presentation resulting from the grant.

  • Within two years of receiving the grant, the recipient will be asked to submit a paper proposal based upon the project for presentation at a ChLA annual conference.

Submission Guidelines:

  • Applications should be submitted electronically through the ChLA website.

  • Cover page including name, telephone number, mailing address and e-mail address, as well as academic institution and status/rank (student, professor, librarian, etc.) or institution applicant is affiliated with (library, publisher, etc.), if any.

  • A detailed description of the research proposal (not to exceed three single-spaced pages), including:
    • An explanation of its nature and significance (e.g., contribution to the field, methodology)
    • If part of a larger project, indication of the specific work that the grant would support
    • A tentative budget for this work
    • The time frame in which the work will be conducted

  • A vitae that includes a bibliography of major publications and scholarly achievements (degrees, honors, etc.).

  • Applications and supporting materials should be written in or translated into English.

  • If you are applying for both a Diversity Research Grant and a general ChLA Research Grant, you must state this in your application.

Each grant will be awarded with the expectation that the undertaking will lead to publication and make a significant contribution to the field of children's literature scholarship or criticism.