Awards, grants, and fellowships

The Ezra Jack Keats/Kerlan Memorial Fellowship

The Ezra Jack Keats/Kerlan Memorial Fellowship from the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation provides funding to a “talented writer and/or illustrator of children’s books who wishes to use the Kerlan Collection for the furtherance of his or her artistic development.” The Keats Foundation recently raised the amount of the award to $4,000.00.

This fellowship is intended to provide financial assistance for writers and illustrators who wish to use the original manuscripts, illustrations, and books of the Kerlan Collection in course of their professional development. Special consideration will be given to those who would find it difficult to finance a visit to the Kerlan Collection.

The Ezra Jack Keats Fellowship recipient will receive funds for travel expenses and a per diem allotment.  Applications must be postmarked by January 30 of year they wish to use the award. The winner will be notified in February and March. Study and written report must be completed during the calendar year. The short written report should document the experience of the researcher in the archive, as well as how they believe what they viewed will inform their own work, and may be posted in the department blog and/or newsletter.

Depending on tax treaty benefits, non-US taxpayer recipients may be subject to reporting and withholding requirements. 

A completed application (template with requirements is available) should be mailed to:
Ezra Jack Keats/Kerlan Memorial Fellowship 
113 Andersen Library
222 21st Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55455

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Marilyn Hollinshead Visiting Scholars Fellowship

Marilyn Hollinshead Visiting Scholars Fund for Travel to the Children's Literature Research Collections will be available for research study. Applicants may request up to $1,500 (Depending on tax treaty benefits, non-US taxpayer recipients may be subject to reporting and withholding requirements).

Send a letter with the proposed purpose, plan to use specific research materials (manuscripts and art within the Kerlan Collection), dates, and budget (including airfare and per diem) to Marilyn Hollinshead Visiting Scholars Fellowship, 113 Andersen Library, 222 21st Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55455 or via email at asc-clrc@umn.edu.

The application deadline is January 30 of the year they wish to use the award. Travel and a written report on the project must be completed and submitted before the end of the year.

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