The National Endowment for the Humanities Public Humanities Projects funds programs that bring the humanities to the general public. Although they must engage with humanities scholarship, they are intended to reach a broad audience outside the classroom setting. Project topics can focus on international, national, regional, or local issues, but the project must take place in the United States. Local issues should also make connections to wider historical events or themes.
Applications are due by August 14, 2024 at 11:59 PM ET or January 8, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET. Applicants have the option of submitting a draft for review by July 5 or December 5, 2024. No cost match is required unless matching funds are requested.
Eligibility
This grant is open to:
- 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations
- Accredited institutions of higher education
- State or local government entities
- Federally recognized Tribes.
Organizations may submit more than one application, but they must be for distinctly separate projects.
Grant Types
Planning
Planning grants are available for up to $60,000. These funds are for projects in the beginning stages that require more development. This might include research, preliminary designs, or meetings with scholars, experts, and stakeholders. Planning grants may have a performance period of up to 24 months.
Implementation
Implementation grants range from $50,000 to $400,000, depending on the program category, with performance periods of 12-48 months. The funds are for projects in the final stages of preparation before their public debut. Grant activities may include final research, design, and installation.
The applicant organization is not required to complete a Planning grant before applying for an Implementation grant.
Program Categories
Exhibitions
Three types of exhibitions are supported in this category.
- Permanent exhibits that will be on display in one location for at least three years. The maximum award is $400,000. An additional $50,000 in matching funds may also be requested.
- Temporary exhibits that will be on display in one location for at least two months. The maximum award is $100,000.
- Traveling exhibits that will be on display in at least two locations in the United States. The maximum award is $400,000. An additional $50,000 in matching funds may also be requested.
Exhibitions in all three categories must be open to the public admission-free for at least twenty hours a month during the performance period.
Historic Places
Funds in this category are for historic sites, houses, and districts hosting a program for at least three years. Such programs can include exhibits, guided tours, living history presentations, or a combination. The maximum award is $400,000; an additional $50,000 in matching funds may also be requested.
Humanities Discussions
Humanities Discussions may be in-person, virtual, or hybrid and can include programs such as live performances, lectures, symposia, or reading/discussion programs. The goal of the program should be to engage the audience with the humanities topic and inspire discussion and analysis.
Humanities Discussions are not eligible for Planning grants.
Small
Up to $100,000 is available for Small Humanities Discussions, which are series of at least 15 public events held over a period of three months to two years.
Large
Up to $400,000 is available for Large Humanities Discussions, which are series of at least 50 public events in at least 20 states over a period of three months to two years.
Eligible Expenses
Grant funds may be used for:
- Research, including travel expenses
- Exhibition design and production
- Supplementary materials design and production (brochures, discussion guides, etc.)
- Project specific training for docents and other project personnel
- Publicity
- Evaluation of program impact
Additional Opportunities
Implementation grant applicants are also eligible for the following.
Chair’s Special Award
Projects that explore the humanities in innovative ways and expect to reach a wide, national audience, may apply for a Chair’s Special Award of up to $1 million. This award is rare, however, with only one recipient in a typical year. Winning projects usually feature collaboration between multiple partners and the use of an array of different formats.
Positions in Public Humanities
Funding is also available for a full time Humanities scholar to work on your project and at least three other public programs. This must be a new, full time, entry level position for a recent Masters or PhD graduate. You may request up to $50,000 for a one year position or up to $100,000 for two years.
