research fellowship on poverty-violence connection in U.S. – Feb 28

Posted by Bergel Institute on January 27, 2026

Bergel Institute seeks proposals to bring an end to the poverty-violence connection in U.S.

The Bergel Institute offers fellowships to individuals of all ages who wish to spend a year in intensive study and project development in a subject area that aligns with the advancement of human knowledge and the human condition. Applicants do not have to be enrolled in or associated with a school or academic program of any kind, though applicants may also be enrolled in a graduate program at an institution anywhere in the world.

Economic instability and neighborhood disinvestment are closely linked to disproportionate rates of violence and premature death. The fellowship is a deep immersion into the poverty–violence relationship, with the aim of developing a credible roadmap to reduce violence through practical, measurable action. Fellows will analyze who is most affected, where violence concentrates, what conditions correlate with risk, and what has and has not worked in past efforts.

Fellows will create a database of all murders, shootings, violent assaults, and knifings across the United States and keep a running, up-to-date count that will be part of the Bergel Institute website beyond this fellowship year. The fellowship also includes direct engagement with community leaders, service providers, researchers, and relevant public, nonprofit, and private-sector programs to identify effective approaches and develop partnerships that can be tested across communities.

Fellowships run from June to May and are primarily virtual, with two paid institute visits to the home office in Florida as the only in-person expectations during the fellowship year. Fellows spend the year conducting intensive research and project development, supported by institute staff, with monthly meetings and quarterly progress reports to help maintain momentum.

The fellowship also is intended to function as an incubator, providing time, guidance, and structure for work that continues beyond the fellowship year.

Fellows receive a stipend of $30,000. Fellows travel to the institute twice during the fellowship year to present to leadership: once in August at the end of Q1, and again in May at the end of the fellowship year. The May presentation focuses on what was accomplished during the year and the fellow’s plans for next steps. Travel and lodging for both presentations are covered by the institute.

Final work may take many forms, including detailed manuscripts, the launch of a business or organization, video series, documentary films, etc. Upon completion of the fellowship year, all fellows are required to serve as mentors for future fellows, ensuring that accumulated knowledge and experiences are passed to their successors.

Applications for 2026-27 Bergel Institute Fellowships are available on the Institute’s website.

Deadline: February 28, 2026