The David E. Smith Endowment Fund supports research-based Division III projects in American Studies at Hampshire College. 

Grant funds can be used for expenses related to project research 

and/or exhibition and distribution 

Possible areas of study include:  

• Transdisciplinary studies of U.S. literatures, arts, cultures, religions, histories, economies, politics, and social movements;

• Transdisciplinary projects on U.S./American national, transnational, and hemispheric formations and identities;

• Projects concerning U.S. subjects that use critical lenses such as settler colonial studies, Africana studies, Latinx studies, Asian American studies, Native American and indigenous studies, ethnic studies, queer studies, women’s, gender and sexuality studies, media studies, material culture studies, folk and popular culture studies, critical race studies, borderlands studies, disability studies, and/or U.S. empire studies.

For a brief account of the history of American Studies and a bibliography of sources on this

 transdisciplinary, critical field, see https://www.theasa.net/about/history 

Applications will be evaluated based on these criteria:

1. A well-designed, compelling research project for which students' previous course- and project-work has adequately prepared them;

2. Engagement with American Studies-related fields and research questions. Our fund mandates that we prioritize work in this transdisciplinary field, and not receiving grant funding may not reflect upon the quality of your project if it falls outside our grant mandate. Students undertaking artistic/studio projects should be explicit about how their projects will undertake substantial research;

3. Clearly stated need for grant support—keep in mind that grants are typically in the $400-500 range. You must provide a an itemized budget that specifies how you propose to use the grant funds.

To be considered, applicants MUST be filed for Division III. Your complete proposal and budget must be discussed with and approved by your chair. 

Applications are accepted in the fall and spring. Please indicate whether you are using the grant to begin or finish your Div III.

How to Apply

To apply, go to https://studentfunding.hampshire.edu  

When you apply, make sure to note you are applying for the David Smith Div III Grant, 

and address the evaluation criteria listed above.

This grant is one of many available to support Division III work, as well as other projects, internships, and more! For information about other grants at Hampshire, see the Master List of Hampshire Grants