What is the URP Fellowship?

The fellowship is a one-time grant given to mid-career professionals seeking to expand their professional expertise, networks, and ability to effectively solve local challenges through a focused transatlantic learning experience.

When can I apply?

The next application cycle will begin in late 2013. Successful candidates will travel during the summer or fall of 2014.

How do I apply?

After reading through the entire fellowship summary, applicants will submit an application on easygrants.gmfus.org

I am having trouble submitting the application. What should I do?

Carefully read through all instructions on the online application and through the FAQ (on the left menu on the easy grants website).  If you are still unsuccessful, contact GMF staff (Bartek Starodaj, Program Assistant, bstarodaj@gmfus.org)

Am I eligible to apply?

Applicants must be policymakers or practitioners in state or local government, leaders from the private sector, or representatives of non-profit and policy organizations and have at least 7-10 years of experience in their field. Applicants must also have English language and writing skills. In addition, applicants must have a strong record of project completion; must articulate clear understanding of how the fellowship can contribute to their professional development, to their home city or region, and to the transatlantic dialogue on urban issues; and must have an interest and ability to disseminate his or her findings and actively contribute to GMF’s Urban and Regional network.

I am European and my English is not perfect. Am I ineligible?

European applicants concerned about their English language ability should contact GMF staff regarding possible submission of supplemental materials.

What are the requirements for pre-application submission?

Applicants must submit a CV/Resume and a cover letter (up to 1,250 words) that:

(a)    briefly outlines how the applicant’s background and experience meets the eligibility criteria;

(b)   indicates the fellowship type they are seeking (Short Travel or Long Term Research);

(c)    briefly outlines the policy question or research topic that they are attempting to answer through the fellowship and relevant cross-cutting theme(s);

(d)   states the proposed research locations and the methodology (interviews, site visits, etc) they would utilize to answer the policy question; and

(e)   briefly describes the potential significance of their work for both local and transatlantic policy context.

Applications that do not address each point above will be considered ineligible.

What is the selection criteria?

Applicants are judged using the following criteria:

• The research question addresses a concrete, timely public policy problem or obstacle in the applicant’s home community;
• The proposed methodology is feasible and coherent and proposed destinations are relevant;
• The research question contributes to the ongoing initiatives and expertise of GMF;
• The proposed research project adds original insights and contributes to the transatlantic dialogue on urban issues; 
• The applicant has strong potential (based on depth of professional experience, writing ability and strength of professional networks) to successfully complete the fellowship, disseminate his or her findings, and actively contribute to GMF;
• Additionally, the Advisory Committee members will consider the geographic and thematic diversity of the candidates and their projects in making the final determination. 

Is the selection process competitive?

Yes. GMF only successfully accepts a handful of the applications it receives during each cycle.

How long can I travel for?

GMF gives funding for short term and long term travel. Fellows that receive short term travel grants go abroad for approximately three weeks. Fellows that receive long term travel grants can go abroad for up to three months.

Where can I travel to?

American fellows can travel to any European country. European fellows can travel to any American state. However, fellows will have to fully justify that their choice of site visit fully relates to their research topic.

How many places can I visit?

GMF will work with you to design an effective itinerary, but fellows typically visit two to three different cities.

Do I have to complete the travel all at once?

No. If your employer is not flexible, GMF will work with you to break your travel up into noncontiguous periods.

Does GMF staff help me to design my fellowship and establish contacts?

The primary responsibility for pre-trip scheduling and logistics falls with the fellow.  GMF will assist the fellow as necessary by connecting them to its extensive American and European contacts.

What I can use the fellowship funds for?

Fellowship funds cover the costs incurred or directly related to carrying out the project and should be used for travel, lodging, meals and incidentals. This includes internet access, phone, research materials, and transportation.  

What policy topics does the fellowship focus on?

Recipients focus on a range of topics within the urban and regional policy context. Topics should generally relate to social, economic, or environmental sustainability, civic engagement, and/or governance.

What happens after I submit my pre-application?

GMF will determine whether each applicant fits the program’s eligibility and criteria. If successful, GMF will ask each applicant to submit a full proposal in February.  The Urban Program’s Advisory Committee makes final selections in April after reviewing each proposal and interviewing each candidate.

If I am selected, when do I have to complete my fellowship? 

For the 2013 application cycle, fellows will complete their fellowship between June 2013 and May 2014.

Are there requirements for communication with GMF staff during the fellowship?    

Yes. Fellows are expected to maintain correspondence with GMF staff before, during, and after fellowship travel. For example, fellows must submit weekly progress reports during their fellowship travel that will be published on GMF’s Urban Current blog.

What happens after I complete my fellowship?

All fellows submit a Centerpiece Product that enumerates the key outcomes of the fellowship and outlines how outcomes can be translated and applied in the fellow’s home community. GMF will work with each fellow to design an appropriate format. Past outputs include a policy brief, a journalistic article, and a practitioner’s toolkit. Aside from the Centerpiece Product, fellows will be expected to work with GMF staff to create additional products, such as an op-ed or participation in other GMF events.

What is the German Marshall Fund? What is the Urban and Regional Policy Program?

The German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF) strengthens transatlantic cooperation on regional, national, and global challenges and opportunities in the spirit of the Marshall Plan. GMF does this by supporting individuals and institutions working in the transatlantic sphere, by convening leaders and members of the policy and business communities, by contributing research and analysis on transatlantic topics, and by providing exchange opportunities to foster renewed commitment to the transatlantic relationship. In addition, GMF supports a number of initiatives to strengthen democracies.

The Urban and Regional Policy (URP) Program serves as a key resource and network builder for individuals and groups who make, influence, and implement urban and regional policy in the North America and Europe. The program seeks to inspire innovation and work collaboratively to apply new ideas on the ground by building networks of local and regional policy makers and practitioners.

What if I have other questions?

Contact Bartek Staroaj, Program Assistant at the Urban and Regional Policy Program, at bstarodaj@gmfus.org .