The Martin A. Dale '53 Fellowship enables an outstanding Princeton senior to devote the year following graduation to an independent project of extraordinary 
merit that will widen the recipient's experience of the world and significantly enhance the student's personal growth and intellectual development. The fellowship embodies the conviction of its donor, Martin A. Dale '53, of the transformative potential of a year-long project of focused effort and self-discovery before a new graduate embarks on the next major phase of life and career.
The Dale Fellowship provides a grant of $40,000 to a current Princeton senior, which becomes available as early as July 1 following graduation; the Fellow must begin the project no later than September 1 of the same year. One half of the grant is normally paid at the inception of the fellowship, the other half midway through the fellowship year. (The grant is taxable and must be reported by the recipient as regular income.)
In evaluating applications for the Dale Fellowship, the selection committee gives particular weight to the well-defined focus and feasibility of the project as well as to the integrity and intellectual or creative talent of the candidate. Projects are evaluated according to their potential impact on the candidate's own future, and, where relevant by their potential for significant social impact.
The committee considers each candidate's academic record, especially as it pertains to the specific nature of the intended project, the development of the candidate's intellectual interests, and the ability of the candidate to conceive and carry out a sustained creative or investigative effort.
Extracurricular accomplishments are also considered insofar as they provide support for the particular proposal and evidence of independent initiative, resourcefulness, and responsibility.