Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How are we defining women of color?
A: We are trusting applicants to self-identify their race, ethnicity, and gender. If you feel this fellowship aligns with you and your work, please apply!
Q: What are the short and long-term goals of the Fellowship for the Future?
A: This fellowship was created to recognize women of color in STEMM who also work on projects that help make STEMM more inclusive. Too often, this kind of work is overlooked and/or undervalued. The Fellowship for the Future is one way that 500 Women Scientists is trying to change this narrative. We hope this Fellowship sets an example for how the STEMM community can take steps to value the efforts of these important leaders. An equally important goal of this Fellowship is to increase the representation of women of color who are marginalized in their respective STEMM disciplines. Through this Fellowship, we also hope to build a network of justice-oriented leaders and projects that reimagine and create a STEMM community that is more diverse, equitable, inclusive, and socially just.
Q: How do Fellowship for the Future Fellows fit within the larger scope of the 500 Women Scientists organization?
A: We are able to leverage the power of our global network to help carry out the purpose of Fellowship for the Future in serving the broader organizational mission. The broader 500 Women Scientists organization plays a vital role in providing both support and resources for the Fellows and their projects. Fellows are expected to attend at least one 500 Women Scientists leadership retreat and are welcome to participate in other 500 Women Scientists programs and initiatives as they so choose. At the end of the Fellowship term, fellows may be extended an offer to join 500 Women Scientists leadership team and contribute to leading the organization in serving our mission.
Q: Is U.S. citizenship required for this fellowship?
A: U.S. citizenship is not required to receive this fellowship. We are able to support fellows who are U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents residing within the U.S. or outside the U.S. We can also support persons in another authorized status, including undocumented applicants, who currently reside in the U.S. or a U.S. territory and intend to remain in the U.S. for the duration of the fellowship.
Q: Is a degree required for this fellowship?
A: A degree is not required to receive this fellowship. We acknowledge that while formal education is the traditional route for many people in STEMM fields, experiences that are not under the purview of academic affiliation are just as valid and valued. Therefore, applicants are expected to have significant and meaningful experiences within a STEMM-related field, that can be achieved through formal educational training and/or informal, nontraditional training.
Q: How can funds given to fellows be used and is the honorarium taxable?
A: Project funds are required to be used as described in the recipient’s proposal and in line with charitable, education, or scientific purposes within the meaning of Section 501 ©(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Honoraria and project funds awarded to individuals are typically considered taxable income according to current U.S. tax guidelines for non-employee compensation; we recommend consulting a tax expert for more information on how these funds affect your tax reporting.
Q: Can these funds be used for a research project and/or funds to support educational pursuits of the applicants?
A: Fellowship for the Future funding is specifically geared towards projects and/or initiatives that are based in the community for community benefit. We will not fund educational pursuits and/or supplement research projects, including community-based participatory research, as that is outside the scope of this Fellowship.
Q: Are there any required commitments for participating in the Fellowship for the Future?
A: Yes, fellows are required to attend the quarterly virtual workshops and community building sessions, in addition to in-person attendance to one 500 Women Scientists leadership meeting (pending CDC safety recommendations). Fellows must submit a progress report at the end of their first year, including accomplishments and use of funds to date. Supplementary project funds for the second year are contingent upon successful completion of this report. Fellows are required to submit a final progress report detailing the impact of their project and how or whether participation in the program supported its success. Lastly, fellows are required to comply with applicable laws and regulations in the performance of their projects and expenditures of funds.
Q: Are funds received considered taxable income?
A: Generally, yes. Selected recipients will be required to furnish 500 Women Scientists with appropriate withholding certificates and tax information, including, for example, IRS Form W-8 or IRS Form W-9, as applicable, and any similar state or local tax form.
Q: What is the expected timeline for choosing fellows for this cohort?
A: We are working on the new application process; details will come soon! We expect to open the application cycle by December and select our next cohort of fellows by April 2023. The 2-year projects would most likely be from Spring of 2023 to Spring 2025.
Q: Can I contact you if I have additional questions?
A: Of course! For more information on this program or how to donate, contact us at fellowship@500womenscientists.org.