Dorothy F. Wiley MEMS Grants
The Program in Medieval and Early Modern Studies (MEMS) at UNC invites applications for one-time and recurring Wiley Grants for the 2026-27 cycle. The deadline for applications is 13 March 2026.
Please note that grants awarded in the 2026-27 cycle are for money that must be spent between 1 July 2026 and 30 June 2027. Those who wish to apply for money to be spent after 1 July 2027 should apply for a grant for the 2027-28 cycle, for which applications will be open on 1 January 2027.
- Wiley Colloquium Grants (2-year renewable; up to $4,000 per year)
Description: Wiley Colloquium Grants are awarded to individuals or small groups of faculty and/or graduate students who aim to establish a regular or semi-regular speaker venue, lecture series, or colloquium that hosts scholars from institutions outside UNC. There are no restrictions on the topic of the proposed series or venue. Interdisciplinary collaborations amongst scholars working in different departments, specializations, and historical periods are encouraged, but not required.
Examples: The UNC Colloquium in Premodern Literature and Culture (hosted by ECL); an interdisciplinary speaker series on premodern medicine and the history of science; a faculty reading group that periodically hosts scholars from beyond UNC; or an annual conference, intellectual gathering, or performance that brings together scholars or performers from within the UNC community with scholars or performers from outside of it.
Eligibility: Collaborations between graduate students and faculty are also welcome, as are proposals from graduate students alone, provided a faculty advisor indicates a willingness to oversee the project and ensure the proper administration of grant funds. Wiley Colloquium Grants are allocated on a 2-year basis, with an indefinite possibility for renewal, provided that the grantees demonstrate the continued vitality of the venture, its continuing importance to the MEMS community, and the timely and appropriate use of MEMS funds.
Limitations: Current budgetary restrictions on food/alcohol/entertainment expenses may limit the amount awarded if that cost is the primary one in the budget.
- Wiley Symposium Grants (one-time; up to $6,000)
Description: Wiley Symposium Grants are awarded to individuals or small groups of faculty and/or graduate students who aim to support a one-time event involving in some way a scholar or scholars from outside the UNC community.
Examples: A faculty reading group that is seeking funds to bring a non-UNC member to campus for a visit; a one-time gathering that aims to bring together scholars both from within the UNC system with speakers outside of it; a small conference organized by UNC faculty but involving a speaker or speakers from outside UNC; or an exhibition or dramatic or musical performance with some relevance to the global medieval and early modern eras that involves participants from outside the university.
Eligibility: Wiley Symposium Grants are allocated on a one-time basis and cannot be renewed. Collaborations between graduate students and faculty are also welcome, as are proposals from graduate students alone, provided a faculty advisor indicates a willingness to oversee the project and ensure the proper administration of grant funds.
Limitations: Current budgetary restrictions on food/alcohol/entertainment expenses may limit the amount awarded if that cost is the primary one in the budget.
Please note that, in the case of both types of grants, MEMS cannot provide administrative support to grantees. This means that any Wiley Grant will need to be administered by departmental staff or, in some cases, graduate RAs who have agreed to work in collaboration with the grant recipients.
To apply for a Wiley Colloquium or Symposium Grant, please complete the Dorothy F. Wiley Grant Application Form, which is available online here. Once you’ve filled out the form, please submit it, along with an up-to-date curriculum vitae, to mems@unc.edu, cc-ing both Dr. Jes Boon (jboon@email.unc.edu) and Kara Rush (karar@unc.edu). All proposals for the 2026-27 Wiley Grants will be evaluated by the MEMS Advisory Board, and awards will be decided upon by majority vote. Please note that the Board cannot consider incomplete applications.