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John F. Kennedy Library Foundation

Annual Giving
$9.2M
Grant Range
$1K - $0.0M
Decision Time
3mo

John F. Kennedy Library Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Revenue: ~$9.2 million (2023)
  • Total Assets: $58.2 million
  • Grant Range: $1,000 - $10,000
  • Geographic Focus: National (US-focused, with some international applicants accepted)
  • Application Method: Fixed deadlines
  • Decision Time: 2-3 months

Contact Details

Overview

The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation, established in 1963, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that provides financial support, staffing, and creative resources to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, which is administered by the United States National Archives and Records Administration. With total assets of approximately $58.2 million, the Foundation offers annual research fellowships and grants to scholars and students who wish to utilize the archival holdings of the JFK Library, including the Ernest Hemingway Collection. The Foundation also administers the Profile in Courage Essay Contest for high school students and presents prestigious awards including the Profile in Courage Award and the John F. Kennedy New Frontier Awards. The Foundation earned a four-star, 93% rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting strong financial health and accountability.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Research Fellowships (September 30 deadline; awards announced by December):

  • Marjorie Kovler Research Fellowship: Up to $5,000 - for research on foreign intelligence and the Presidency
  • Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr. Research Fellowship: Up to $5,000 (can be split) - for research on Kennedy administration foreign policy (especially Western Hemisphere) or domestic policy (racial justice, natural resources conservation)
  • Theodore C. Sorensen Research Fellowship: Up to $3,600 - for research on domestic policy, political journalism, polling, or press relations
  • Abba P. Schwartz Research Fellowship: Up to $3,100 - for research on immigration, naturalization, or refugee policy

Ernest Hemingway Research Grants (November 1 deadline; awards announced in January):

  • Up to $5,000 - for scholars researching the Ernest Hemingway Collection

Profile in Courage Essay Contest (January deadline; awards announced in May):

  • First Place: $10,000
  • Second Place: $3,000
  • Three Finalists: $1,000 each
  • Plus nominating teacher receives $500 Public Service Grant

Priority Areas

  • Kennedy administration history and legacy
  • Foreign intelligence and presidential affairs
  • Immigration, naturalization, and refugee policy
  • Domestic policy, racial justice, and civil rights
  • Political journalism and press relations
  • Hemingway and literary studies
  • Civic engagement and political courage (for essay contest)

What They Don't Fund

  • General operating grants to nonprofit organizations
  • Projects not utilizing JFK Library archival holdings
  • Essays about senators already featured in Kennedy's "Profiles in Courage" book (for essay contest)
  • Projects already heavily funded by major grants from other institutions (lower priority)

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership

  • Rachel Flor - Executive Director (since October 2019)
    • Named one of Boston's Most Influential People by Boston Magazine
    • Listed in Boston Business Journal's 40 under 40
    • Holds M.A. from University College London and B.A. from George Washington University
  • Doris R. Drummond - Chief Financial Officer
  • Maura Hammer - Vice President of Development
  • Valerie Linson - Vice President of Communications

Board Officers

  • Ambassador Caroline Kennedy - Honorary President (Former U.S. Ambassador to Australia and Japan)
  • Ronald L. Sargent - Board Chair (Chairman and Interim CEO, The Kroger Co.)
  • Michael Steed - Treasurer (Founder, Managing Partner & Chairman, Paladin Capital)
  • David C. Weinstein - Secretary (Founder and CEO, Write the World, Inc.)

The Board of Directors is comprised of business, education, and cultural leaders who meet at least three times per year and are assigned to committees overseeing specific programs and departments.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

For Research Fellowships: Submit to Kennedy.Fellowships@nara.gov:

  1. Complete application form
  2. Brief proposal (no more than 4 pages) including:
    • Planned project and its significance
    • Collections to be consulted at JFK Library and other institutions
    • Intended audience and expected outcome

For Hemingway Grants (additional requirements):

  • List of specific holdings from the Hemingway Collection to be consulted
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • 8-10 page writing sample
  • Project budget (estimated Boston per diem: $250)
  • CV or resume

For Profile in Courage Essay Contest:

  • 700-1,000 word essay
  • Minimum five varied sources
  • Nominating teacher required
  • Submit through online portal

Decision Timeline

ProgramDeadlineDecision
Research FellowshipsSeptember 30December 1
Hemingway GrantsNovember 1January
Essay ContestJanuary 12May

Fellowship funds must be used within 24 months of the award date.

Important Notes for International Applicants

Fellowship funds are disbursed as bank checks from Bank of America, given upon arrival at the Kennedy Library. International applicants must make personal arrangements for cashing checks and confirm their banks accept international checks.

Application Success Factors

Contact Archives Before Applying: The Foundation strongly encourages applicants to contact JFK Library archivists (Kennedy.Library@nara.gov) for information about relevant holdings before applying.

Evaluation Criteria (from Foundation guidance):

  • Expected utilization of the archival collection
  • Project's contributions to the field of study
  • Applicant's qualifications and credentials

Preference Given To:

  • Dissertation research
  • Projects not heavily supported by major grants from other institutions
  • Clear connection to JFK Library archival materials

For Essay Contest Success:

  • Focus on U.S. elected officials who served during or after 1917
  • Demonstrate political courage and risk-taking
  • Use five or more varied sources
  • Do not write about senators in Kennedy's original "Profiles in Courage"

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Contact archivists first: Reaching out to Kennedy.Library@nara.gov before applying is strongly encouraged and demonstrates serious intent
  • Focus on archival connection: All projects must utilize materials from the JFK Library archives - clearly articulate which collections you'll use
  • Dissertation researchers favored: Preference is given to dissertation-level research, though all proposals are considered
  • Modest but meaningful funding: Grants range from $3,100 to $10,000 - designed to supplement rather than fully fund research
  • Fixed deadlines: September 30 for fellowships, November 1 for Hemingway grants, January for essay contest
  • In-person component: Fellowship funds are distributed upon arrival at the Kennedy Library in Boston
  • One application per year: Candidates can apply for only one fellowship annually, but the committee will match applications to the most relevant opportunity

References

Accessed December 2025

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