Scholarly Editions and Translations

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), through its Division of Research Programs, invites applications for the Scholarly Editions and Translations program. Established in 1966, this program has supported projects that make critical humanities texts accessible by producing high-quality scholarly editions and translations. It is designed to support collaborative teams of at least two scholars who edit, annotate, or translate foundational texts that are currently unavailable, inaccessible, or inadequately presented. The program encompasses a wide range of humanities disciplines including literature, history, philosophy, jurisprudence, archaeology, and the arts, aiming to generate new scholarship and provide public access to important materials. The purpose of the program is to fund projects that create authoritative editions and translations that embody best practices as outlined by organizations such as the Association for Documentary Editing and the Modern Language Association’s Committee on Scholarly Editions. Supported activities can include preparation of editorial policies, document collection, manuscript collation, transcription, translation, and the creation of scholarly apparatus such as annotations and introductions. Projects may be published in print, digital formats, or both, and NEH strongly encourages projects to provide free public access to digital products. However, only translations into English are eligible. Funding is offered across three levels: Planning, Implementation, and Implementation Chairman’s Special Awards. Planning grants provide up to $65,000 for one to two years to develop foundational elements of an edition or translation, such as defining scope, identifying collaborators, and creating dissemination and sustainability plans. Implementation grants provide up to $100,000 per year in outright funds, plus up to $50,000 per year in matching funds, for a maximum of $450,000 over three years. Chairman’s Special Awards, which are rare, offer up to $1,000,000 for five years and are reserved for projects of exceptional significance that expand access to the writings of major figures in American history and culture. Matching funds are not required unless applicants request federal matching funds. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofit organizations recognized as tax-exempt, accredited higher education institutions, state and local governments, and federally recognized Native American Tribal governments. Individuals, for-profit entities, and foreign institutions are ineligible. Applications must designate a single project director, supported by co-directors and collaborators as needed. Degree candidates may not serve as directors. Projects involving foreign collaboration are permitted, but NEH funds cannot be used for subawards to foreign institutions. Applications are submitted through Grants.gov and must include a detailed narrative, work plan, list of key personnel, résumés, bibliography, samples of proposed materials, and other supporting documents. Deadlines for optional draft proposals are September 30, 2024, and September 29, 2025, with final application deadlines of December 4, 2024, and December 3, 2025. Anticipated award announcements will be made in August of the following year after each competition. Projects must begin between October 1, 2025, and September 1, 2026, for the 2024 deadline, or between October 1, 2026, and September 1, 2027, for the 2025 deadline. Applications will be evaluated based on five criteria: significance of the text, appropriateness of methods and execution, qualifications of collaborators, feasibility and productivity of the work plan, and sustainability of dissemination plans. Successful applicants will be expected to report progress annually and provide final reports at the end of the award period. Questions about the program may be directed to the Division of Research at editions@neh.gov or by phone at 202-606-8200. Administrative inquiries should be sent to the NEH Office of Grant Management at grantmanagement@neh.gov or 202-606-8494. This funding opportunity is listed under Federal Assistance Listing Number 45.161 with the identifier 20241127-RQ and is anticipated to distribute approximately $5 million per deadline across 20 awards.