The Ash Center supports HKS student-led events and initiatives as well as independent study. Preference is given to projects with Ash faculty involvement and applied learning opportunities that overlap with the Center’s core research and programmatic priorities.
Interested students may direct funding inquiries to Tim Glynn-Burke, Executive Director for Programs.
Research Grants
The Center awards research grants to HKS students for independent research projects on an ongoing basis. Research projects are selected based on several criteria:
- Connection to Ash Center-affiliated faculty (either in an informal or formal advisory capacity)
- Relevance to one of the Center's areas of focus
- Well-developed research plan and appropriate budget
We invite you to review examples of Policy Analysis Exercises, Second Year Policy Analyses, and independent research by Harvard Kennedy School students whose work was supported, in part, by the Ash Center.
download a copy of the 2021-22 student funding application
Student Group and Journal Support
The Ash Center supports many student organizations and journals which focus on one of our areas of interest. We welcome funding applications from groups and journals as well; please refer to the independent research application for guidelines on submitting an application. We also welcome "standard" proposals used by groups and journals to fundraise across HKS.
Student Democracy Innovation Grant Competition
The Ash Center’s Democracy Innovation Fund recognizes Harvard Kennedy School students who have an innovative project that addresses challenges to democracy or advances democratic principles. Up to five HKS students or student teams will be awarded up to $5,000 in recognition of an idea or project—whether policy, community, scholarly, cultural, or artistic in nature—that enables them to think creatively, to learn, and to explore democracy in innovative ways. Projects and ideas need not be limited to traditional student research or learning activities.
To be considered for the 2022 awards, interested students and student teams should apply by Friday, April 15, 2022. Winners will be announced in Spring 2022. Ongoing support and mentoring for students will be provided by the Ash Center throughout the award period of summer 2022. The 2022 cycle will conclude with a public celebration and sharing of student work with Harvard community and beyond in fall 2022.