Program Goals and Objectives
The Diana Kennedy Foundation Fellowship for Research on Women in Food and Sustainability supports projects that draw on UT San Antonio Libraries’ Diana Kennedy Collection and Mexican Cookbook Collection to generate fresh insights into the interconnections among women, Mexican foodways, and the environment. Generously funded by the Diana Kennedy Foundation, the program honors Diana Kennedy’s legacy by fostering research and practical applications that align with the values and ideals that inspired her:
- Cultural preservation through responsible documentation
- Profound respect for Indigenous knowledge
- Environmental stewardship rooted in sustainability and ecological responsibility
- Fair treatment, education and empowerment for women and children
- Culinary integrity grounded in tradition, regional identity and authenticity
- Education and research to deepen public understanding of traditional foodways
Eligibility
The fellowship program provides funding opportunities for Texas residents and U.S. residents outside of Texas. Scholars with or without an academic affiliation may apply, and no advanced degree is required. The fellowship program embraces a broad definition of “scholar,” grounded in the belief that lifelong learners from all backgrounds can create new knowledge and offer insights that advance understanding. Currently only U.S. citizens are eligible.
Projects can include, but are not limited to:
- Research to support coursework, theses/dissertations, or publications
- Menu development
- Journalistic writing projects
- Visual, audio, creative or performing arts projects
- Podcasts
- Exhibitions
- Course curriculum development
- Community outreach
UT San Antonio faculty are not eligible for the fellowships; however, they may apply for a $5,000 Faculty Teaching in the Archives Grant generously funded by the Diana Kennedy Foundation. Information about Diana Kennedy Foundation faculty grants is available on the Special Collections faculty grants webpage.
Types of Fellowships Available
Each fellowship requires a minimum number of onsite hours to be completed during the award period. Fellows may set their own weekly onsite schedule, provided that all required hours are fulfilled by the end of the fellowship. Fellowship recipients may conduct onsite research between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Appointments outside of normal business hours will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Week-long fellowships:
Award: $500.00
Minimum 12 hours onsite
Four awarded per year (two for Texas residents and two for U.S. residents outside of Texas)
Month-long fellowships:
Award: $2,000.00
Minimum 48 hours onsite
Two awarded per year (two for Texas residents and one for U.S. residents outside of Texas)
Long-term, four-month fellowship:
Award: $12,000.00
Minimum 192 hours onsite
One awarded per year (open to all U.S. residents)
Fellowship Period
Recipients of 2026–2027 fellowships must conduct their research between September 1, 2026-August 31, 2027.
Application Instructions
Applicants must submit a current resume and detailed project proposal of no more than 1,500 words that includes the following:
- Project title
- Type of fellowship being applied for (weekly, monthly, or long-term) and proposed onsite dates
- Purpose of the research and the themes being explored
- Explanation of how the project aligns with the fellowship program’s goals and objectives
- Description of the materials to be used, including relevant items from Diana Kennedy’s papers and/or her working library, the Mexican Cookbook Collection, and other Special Collections resources (if applicable)
- Description of how the results of the research will be used and/or disseminated
Please carefully review the Fellowship Program Guidelines before applying. They provide detailed information on eligibility requirements, evaluation criteria, recipient responsibilities, and reporting requirements.
Download the fellowship guidelines
Application deadline is May 15th, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time.