State and Jurisdictional Humanities CouncilsGeneral Operating Support Grants

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), through its Division of Federal/State Partnership, is offering General Operating Support Grants for state and jurisdictional humanities councils. These grants are designed to bolster the operations of the 56 NEH-designated humanities councils across the United States and its jurisdictions. The councils serve as vital conduits between national-level humanities funding and local communities, tailoring programming and grantmaking to state-specific needs while amplifying the NEH's impact at a grassroots level. The grant opportunity is issued under NEH’s statutory authority and is aligned with its mission to advance knowledge and understanding of the humanities through local engagement. This funding opportunity supports councils in executing programs and activities that promote humanities education and public awareness. The grants fund activities for three years within a five-year performance period, with the final two years reserved for closeout activities. Councils must apply annually for funding under the program. Applicants are expected to describe how their proposed outputs—such as grants and educational programs—will advance public understanding and access to the humanities. The grants require a one-to-one cost share for most recipients, reinforcing local commitment and leveraging additional support for the humanities. Use of funds is governed by a clear set of restrictions. Grant funds may not be used for promoting political, religious, or ideological viewpoints, or for activities such as lobbying, environmental justice initiatives, or programs that promote DEI or similar frameworks. Other ineligible uses include construction, land acquisition, artistic creation, and non-humanities research. Strict cost principles are enforced, and budgets must conform to NEH’s guidelines for allowable expenses, excluding indirect costs and overlapping funding. Subawards must be issued only to eligible entities that have obtained a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), and councils are responsible for ensuring subrecipient compliance. Eligible applicants are limited exclusively to independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) state and jurisdictional humanities councils. These organizations must be designated by NEH and are the only entities permitted to submit applications. They may issue subawards to a defined list of subrecipients, including individuals, nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, and governments at the local, state, or tribal levels. Councils must submit their applications through Grants.gov using opportunity number 20260406-SO, and all standard NEH forms and attachments apply. The required components include an annual plan, budget justification, and potentially an explanation of delinquent federal debt. Applications are due by April 6, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Projects must begin between November 1, 2026, and May 1, 2027. Awards are anticipated to be announced in November 2026, pending congressional appropriations. Funding is determined using a statutory formula and is subject to availability of federal funds. Councils must obligate most funds annually and submit a new application in year three to initiate the next five-year cycle. Recipients must submit annual and final reports, including financial disclosures, board minutes, and performance metrics via the eGMS Reach system. Applicants can refer to the NEH's General Application Guide for Awards to Organizations and the Matching Guidelines for further instructions. Questions about the program should be directed to the Division of Federal/State Partnership at [email protected] or 202-606-8254. Administrative inquiries may be addressed to the NEH Office of Grant Management. No extensions will be granted due to delays in registering with SAM.gov or Grants.gov, so early registration is advised.