Sabbatical grants for institutes of consecrated life require previous education and experience.
Several religious institutes offer sabbatical grants through fellowships for qualified scholars. Consecrated life involves rigorous study of a particular religion or religious doctrine. These facilities do not accept all applicants, and the process for sabbatical grants is competitive. Outside donors or foundations sponsor consecrated life for most religious organizations so that religious scholars can pursue their studies free of the need to fulfill basic needs.
Avi Chai
Israel sabbaticals through this philanthropic group require a commitment to consecrated life without work or demands of family life. The Avi Chai Foundation provides fellowships in North America, Israel and the former Soviet Union. Most fellows agree to return to their work for a three-year term after completion of the sabbatical. As of November 2010, the Guttman Center is conducting a study of Israeli Jewish society.
Christianity
Resources for sabbatical grants in American Christianity are projects of the Lilly Endowment Inc. and the Louisville Institute. Categories of study for sabbatical grants include clergy renewal, journalism and research. The Louisville Institute supports Christian fellows for leadership development and clergy renewal. The institute awards grants for eight- and twelve-week sabbaticals to provide time for reflection on the pastoral obligations of modern life. The funding ranges from $10,000 to $15,000. These grants promote recruitment into the Christian ministry, specific to ethnic minorities, as well as provide educational resources.
Zen
The Upaya Institute provides a resident program for Zen practitioners seeking a consecrated life of Buddhism. Food and lodging are provided in exchange for program participation. Work exchange at the institute provides the opportunity for sabbatical grants in the practice of Buddhism. Participants' work includes meal preparation and cleanup, temple cleaning, gardening, office support and maintenance. Sabbatical participants are expected to provide this service.
Philosophy
The American Philosophical Society provides grants for sabbaticals in collaboration with the Mellon Foundation. This umbrella organization influences specialized agriculture, chemistry, history, and several independent cultural and philanthropic organizations. During the 1800's their interests were chiefly American paleontology, geology, astronomical and meteorological observations, and Indian ethnology. Research grants in 2010 fund library study and clinical medical study. Updates on changes to the sabbatical grant program are posted through the society's website. Awards such as the Magellanic Premium, which is the oldest scientific prize given by a U.S. institution, are granted to elected members.
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