The African Poetry Digital Humanities Grant 2026 is a prestigious funding opportunity designed to support innovative research at the intersection of African poetry and digital humanities. Sponsored by the African Poetry Digital Portal (APDP) with the generous support of the Andrew Mellon Foundation, this grant seeks to empower scholars and researchers to explore, document, and expand the digital presence of African poetry. By leveraging modern digital research methods, applicants can contribute to a growing scholarly community that connects African poetry to contemporary and historical contexts, while providing wider public access to these rich cultural artifacts.
About the African Poetry Digital Portal
The African Poetry Digital Portal serves as a vital resource for African poetry scholarship. It collects, archives, and provides equitable access to creative and intellectual works of African poets housed in academic and cultural institutions across Africa and its diaspora. The Portal aims to create opportunities for researchers to engage with African poetry in ways that are accessible, culturally diverse, and socially impactful. Through its digital infrastructure, the Portal enables scholars to explore the textual and performative complexities of African poetry while fostering civic engagement and cross-cultural understanding.
Also Apply For: Wayfinder Society Student Mini-Grant 2026
Grant Overview
The African Poetry Digital Humanities Grant 2026 provides an award of up to $10,000 to support projects that utilize digital methods to study, document, and present African poetry. Eligible proposals should place African poetry at the center of the research, integrating computational tools or digital platforms to enhance humanistic inquiry. Scholars are encouraged to make full use of the Portal’s resources, broadening the impact of African poetry research within both academic and public spheres.
Key Details:
- Grant Amount: $10,000
- Application Opens: December 1, 2025
- Application Deadline: January 23, 2026
- Notification Date: March 2, 2026
- Grant Period: April 2026 – April 2027
Eligibility and Requirements
The grant is open to scholars and researchers working in African poetry and digital humanities. Applicants must submit a project that incorporates digital research methods, including but not limited to computational analysis, online archiving, digital curation, and multimedia documentation.
Application requirements include:
- Project Proposal (max 3 pages):
- Abstract: A concise summary of the project (300 words max)
- Project Narrative: Detailed description of the project, including:
- Nature and scope of the research
- Area of African poetry being explored
- Research questions and methodology
- Technological requirements (e.g., software, server time; note: personal computers cannot be funded)
- Timeline with key milestones
- Budget (max 1 page): Clear breakdown of funding needs and justification of expenses.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Highlighting previous research projects, publications, and relevant academic or professional experience.
Applications must be submitted through Submittable, and all inquiries can be directed to Rezina Habtemariam, APDP Project Manager, at rezina_habtemariam@brown.edu.
Review Process
Applications will be evaluated by a panel of experts in African poetry and digital humanities. Projects will be judged based on their scholarly contribution, digital innovation, and potential impact within the field. Successful proposals will demonstrate originality, clarity, and feasibility in leveraging digital tools to explore African poetry.
Grant Outcomes
Selected recipients of the African Poetry Digital Humanities Grant will be expected to:
- Advance or complete a Digital Humanities project focused on African poetry.
- Make project results and details available for inclusion on the African Poetry Digital Portal.
- Submit a critical commentary evaluating the technological and thematic challenges of their project.
- Prepare a plan for future work, expanding the research initiated during the grant period.
This grant provides an exceptional opportunity to combine traditional literary scholarship with modern digital tools, fostering both academic growth and the preservation and promotion of African poetry globally.
How to Apply
Applicants should prepare all required documents, including project proposals, budget, and CV, and submit them via Submittable by January 23, 2026. Early preparation is recommended to ensure all elements are thoroughly completed and aligned with the grant’s objectives.
For more information on eligibility, application instructions, and grant FAQs, visit the African Poetry Digital Portal website or contact Rezina Habtemariam directly.
