Wisconsin Humanities Spring 2026 Grants

The Spring 2026 Grant Round offered by Wisconsin Humanities is a funding opportunity intended to support nonprofit organizations based in Wisconsin in implementing public humanities projects. Wisconsin Humanities is a statewide affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, and it focuses on enhancing civic engagement and cultural understanding through projects that explore shared histories, ideas, and values. This grant cycle emphasizes two priority areas: “Wisconsin and America at 250” and “Converse and Connect.” Both themes are designed to facilitate meaningful public engagement through the humanities, reflecting the organization’s broader mission to support conversation and connection within Wisconsin’s diverse communities. The “Wisconsin and America at 250” priority is tied to the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and encourages projects that examine the nation’s complex historical legacy. Through this initiative, Wisconsin Humanities invites applicants to submit projects that engage the public in understanding the multiple narratives and histories that shape both the state and the nation. Projects may focus on the themes “Unfinished Revolutions,” “Power of Place,” “We the People,” and “American Experiment,” as defined by the American Association of State and Local History. Applicants are encouraged to describe how their proposed projects relate to these themes in their application narrative. The goal is to spark conversations that promote a nuanced understanding of history and support civic life. The second priority area, “Converse and Connect,” supports efforts that promote dialogue among people from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Projects in this category should bring people together—virtually or in person—to engage in conversations about community challenges, cultural traditions, public policy, or historical events. Successful proposals will demonstrate a clear strategy for encouraging inclusive participation and fostering understanding among community members. The focus is on facilitating conversations that uncover shared values and histories, thereby strengthening community ties and civic infrastructure. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education (except Universities of Wisconsin institutions, which are excluded due to the funding source), state and local government entities, and federally recognized tribal governments. Organizations must be based in Wisconsin and possess a Wisconsin-based EIN or tax identification number. All applicants must have or obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) via SAM.gov. Projects must also demonstrate involvement from individuals with humanities expertise, which can include academic scholars, community elders, culture bearers, and public humanities practitioners. The grant provides up to $4,000 in funding, and requires matching funds or in-kind contributions equal to or greater than the grant amount requested. These matching funds can come from other grants, donations, or the estimated value of volunteer time and services. Applications open on January 5, 2026, and must be submitted by 5:00 PM Central Time on March 16, 2026. Notifications of awards will be issued by April 15, 2026. All funded activities and expenditures must occur after April 16, 2026. The performance period should not exceed two years unless explicitly approved. To apply, organizations must use the Wisconsin Humanities online grant portal, where they will submit the required forms, including a budget form, W9, and a signed certification form. Applicants are advised to draft their application content offline before submitting. Support is available via consultation with the Grants Director, Meghan Dudle, who can be contacted by email. Applicants should pay close attention to the grant instructions and evaluation criteria, which include alignment with grant priorities, community relevance, humanities focus, and potential to strengthen organizational capacity. A recorded grant webinar will also be made available for additional guidance.

Strong proposals align with stated priorities, demonstrate public humanities focus, and include qualified humanities personnel.