The Asian Pacific American Religions Research Initiative (APARRI) is supporting the growth and development of scholarship and public knowledge on Asian Pacific American religions through two grant initiatives. These initiatives serve three primary interrelated functions: building and diversifying scholarship, strengthening the academic pipeline, and promoting public engagement.

Research Grants
The Asia Pacific American Religions Research Initiative (APARRI) Research Grant supports scholarship that advances the scholarly and public knowledge of Asian Pacific American religions. We invite applications from scholars pursuing research on Asian Pacific American religions across all disciplines; this includes social sciences, humanities, theology, and interdisciplinary work. For the 2022-23 grant cycle, we are especially interested in supporting projects that offer a comparative or inter-religious/racial/ethnic lens, focus on underrepresented groups in the field (e.g. Pacific Islanders, South Asian Americans, Sikhs, Hindus, etc.), or proposals from junior scholars.

The ultimate goal of the project should be a scholarly work by the applicant, which can take the form of a monograph, article, dissertation, digital research project, critical edition, or other scholarly resources. The grant supports projects at any stage of development. This grant does not fund works of fiction (e.g., novels or films), textbooks, translation, or pedagogical projects.

The maximum amount of each award is $30,000. Due to the competitive selection process, the final amount awarded may vary and may not match the requested amount. Most grants will be between $5,000 to $15,000. All grant funds must be spent by June 30, 2024. The final report will be due July 30, 2024.

Working Group Grants
The Asia Pacific American Religions Research Initiative (APARRI) Working Group Grant supports collaborations that advance the scholarly and public knowledge of Asian Pacific American religions. We invite proposals for collaborations that focus on a topical theme on Asian Pacific American religions across all disciplines; this includes social sciences, humanities, theology, and interdisciplinary work. Examples of working groups include scholars convening to examine theological approaches to racial violence or the commercial adoption of mindfulness. At the end of the grant cycle, working groups are expected to produce a tangible product that furthers the scholarly and public knowledge of APA religions such as an edited volume, a co-authored article, a podcast series, a public symposium, or other products.

Working groups may apply for up to $7000, and must have at least three members. Groups may use the funds for stipends (up to $500/member listed on the proposal) and for travel, lodging, meeting costs, honoraria, and purchase of books.

Due to the competitive selection process, the final amount awarded may vary and may not match the requested amount. The grant period is March 15, 2023 – March 15, 2024, and all grant funds must be spent by March 15, 2024. The final report will be due April 15, 2024.

The deadline to apply for either grant is November 15, 2022. For more information and links to apply, see the announcement on the APARRI’s website.