Research Funding

The Cushwa Center administers six programs supporting scholarly research across a range of subject areas. Applications are welcome from scholars both within Notre Dame and outside the University. The next application deadline for all six programs is December 31, 2026.

The Cushwa Center also offers an Undergraduate Research and Writing Prize for students of Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s College, and Holy Cross College. Applications are next due May 1, 2027.


Hesburgh Library

Cushwa Research Travel Grants

Grants up to $3,000. Cushwa Research Travel Grants assist scholars who wish to visit the University Archives or other repositories at Notre Dame for research relating to the study of Catholics in America.

Learn more about Cushwa Research Travel Grants


Peter DAgostino

Peter R. D’Agostino Research Travel Grants

Grants up to $7,500. D’Agostino Grants facilitate the study of the American past from an international perspective. Funds support research in Roman archives for projects on U.S. Catholic history.

Learn more about D’Agostino Grants


Mother Guerin

Mother Theodore Guerin Research Travel Grants

Grants up to $3,000. Guerin Grants support scholars whose research projects feature Catholic women in modern history. Grants are made to scholars seeking to visit any repository in or outside the United States or traveling to conduct oral history interviews, especially of women religious.

Learn more about Guerin Grants


Cyprian Davis

The Cyprian Davis, O.S.B., Award

Award: $1,000. Established in partnership with the American Catholic Historical Association, the Cyprian Davis, O.S.B., Award recognizes outstanding research on the Black Catholic experience.

Learn more about the Davis Award


Gustavo Gutierrez

Gustavo Gutiérrez Research Awards

Award: $3,000. Gustavo Gutiérrez Research Awards, launched in 2025, support projects in theology, history, and the social sciences that engage or take inspiration from the work of Rev. Gustavo Gutiérrez, O.P. (1928–2024).

Learn more about Gutiérrez Awards


JFK in Dublin

Hibernian Research Awards

Award: $3,000. Funded by an endowment from the Ancient Order of Hibernians and Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, Hibernian Research Awards support the scholarly study of Irish and Irish American history.

Learn more Hibernian Awards


Past grant and award recipient announcements

2026 | 2025 | 2024 |  2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020

2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010

2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000

1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1996 | 1995 | 1994 | 1993 | 1992 | 1991 | 1990

1989 | 1988 | 1987 | 1986 | 1985 | 1984 | 1983 | 1982 | 1981 (Fall; Spring) | 1980 (Fall; Spring)

1979 (June; March) | 1978 (June; March)


Theodore Hesburgh

Theodore M. Hesburgh Research Travel Grants (2015–2020)

The Cushwa Center administered the Theodore M. Hesburgh Research Travel Grant Program from 2015 to 2020 to support research projects involving the work of Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., former president of the University of Notre Dame.