B. H. Roberts Research Grant for Research on Topics in Mormon Studies

B. H. Roberts once said “Money is of little importance where truth is concerned.” However, historical research takes time, effort, and money!

The Mormon History Association presents the B. H. Roberts Research Grant. This award is $5,000 to further the research of topics in Mormon Studies utilizing primary source documents and is funded by the B. H. Roberts Foundation (BHR.) Up to three such awards will be granted annually to researchers that are developing work consistent with the mission of the B. H. Roberts Foundation. The final work product should be suitable for publication in the Journal of Mormon History and/or for presentation at the MHA Conference. Winners will be required to attend the MHA conference to receive the award, present their research at next year’s conference and submit a one page research brief to be published.

Preference will be given to research that utilizes previously unknown or overlooked primary source documents or statistical data.

The Legacy of B. H. Roberts

As the namesake of both the grant and the sponsoring foundation, B. H. Roberts represents a heritage and approach to research in Mormon studies that is worthy of emulation. Roberts, who wrote that “the world’s best hope is the world’s continued progress in knowledge of the truth,” celebrated the acquisition of knowledge as a compliment to his faith. The B. H. Roberts Foundation seeks to emulate the integrity, honesty, and candor seen in B. H. Roberts’ life and work.

Use of Proceeds

This grant may be used for any and all expenses including travel to libraries or archives, accessing microfilm, photographs, child care, rent, or any financial burden that may impede research efforts.

Eligibility

Only members of the Mormon History Association are eligible to apply for the grant. (Join or renew here.) Grants are awarded at the annual MHA Conference and are to be used for expenses related to research in the following twelve months. Preference will be given to advanced doctoral students, non-tenured faculty, and unaffiliated scholars, and to those with specific research needs. Applicants must not have been previous winners within the last 24 months.

Application Process

The application consists of:

1. An essay of no more than 250 words giving a brief biographical background of the researcher and the costs associated with their intended research.
2. An abstract of no more than 250 words describing the research topic and how it will contribute to Mormon Studies by utilizing previously unknown or overlooked primary source documents or statistical data, and is consistent with the mission of the B. H. Roberts Foundation. Research topics should not be apologetic or polemic in tone, but should strive for academic rigor.

The application for the 2024 MHA/BHR grant is due by February 15th, 2025. Winners will be selected by a committee including the MHA Board of Director’s Awards Chair, the Executive Director of the B.H. Roberts Foundation and an unaffiliated independent committee member.

Requirements

Successful applicants must be present to accept the award and will be expected to give a presentation (in person or remotely) at the following year’s MHA conference. Successful applicants will be privately notified April 15th via email, and awards will be made public at the conference. Winners are expected to use some portion of their award for travel to the conference to accept the award. Financial support from MHA and BHR should be acknowledged in any publication resulting from this research. Neither MHA nor BHR will have any ownership or rights to work produced by the award recipient.