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Library of Congress Research Guides

American Folklife Center: Research Awards, Fellowships and Funded Internships

Information about the Blanton Owen Fund Award and application instructions,

Blanton Owen Fund Award

seated man editing photographic slides on light table.
Margaret Count, photographer. Folklorist Blanton Owen edits fieldwork slides from the AFC’s Blue Ridge Parkway Folklife Project collection. 1982.

The Blanton Owen Fund Award was established in 1999 in memory of folklorist Blanton Owen (1945-1998) by his family and friends to support ethnographic field research and documentation in the United States, especially by younger scholars and documentarians. Historically, the amount available for the award has been about $2000, but it is frequently divided between more than one recipient.

The Owen Award is a biennial award and the next deadline for proposals is March 3, 2025.

Applicants may be U.S. citizens or foreign nationals. Upon selection, and in accordance with relevant visa regulations, foreign nationals will be assisted in obtaining the appropriate visa.

Proposals will be evaluated by a committee composed of members of the American Folklife Center staff. Awardees will be notified in late spring/early summer.

Follow this link for a list of Previous Blanton Owen Fund Awardees and their research projects.

How to Apply

Applications for Blanton Owen Fund Awards must include:

  • A narrative, 750-1500 words long, describing the proposed project and its potential products and audiences.
  • A budget and proposed time-frame in which to undertake research -- (typically for periods of one to three weeks). Flexibility built into a budget can be helpful to the committee in determining appropriate funding.
  • A resume or statement of previous experience.
  • Names, addresses, phone numbers, and/or email addresses of three (3) referees who can attest to the applicant's professional work and qualifications to undertake the project.

Submitting Your Application

All proposals must be submitted online via email--do not send via the U.S. Postal Service. Do not submit photographs, videotapes, CDs, or any physical material.

Attach your application to an email with the subject line "[your last name] Owen Fund Award." Address email to the Owen Fund Committee at: [email protected] . If you have any questions, contact the Chair, Owen Fund Committee at [email protected] or call (202) 707-5510.

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