The Leonard and Kathleen O'Brien Humanitarian Trust, operating through The O'Brien Foundation, is dedicated exclusively to educational purposes. Its mission is to provide postgraduate fellowships for deserving students in various academic, artistic, or professional fields, promoting advanced study or research and supporting educational advancement on a humanitarian basis.
The O'Brien Foundation Fellowship supports postgraduate students wishing to pursue advanced studies or research across any academic, artistic, or professional discipline. This grant program is designed to offer fellowships to individuals attending recognized universities or research establishments anywhere in the world. It emphasizes selecting candidates based on their academic achievements, professional standing, and personal character, rather than on financial need or age. Although the value of awards may vary, with past awards ranging from $3,000 to $12,000, all fellowships are one-time, non-renewable contributions for a 12-month period. The Foundation does not commit to awarding a set number of fellowships annually but has the flexibility to award up to ten fellowships depending on the year's applicant pool.