Rural Grants

Humanities Texas, a nonprofit educational organization founded in 1972 and the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, launched a new Rural Grants initiative in February to support educational, historical, and cultural organizations in rural Texas. The program is designed to expand access to humanities-based public programming in counties with 60,000 residents or fewer. Humanities Texas has a longstanding record of funding programs across the state, and this initiative aims to address the distinct resource limitations faced by rural communities. The Rural Grants program provides up to $2,500 per award and features a streamlined application process with no cost-sharing requirement. Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed on a rolling basis, with funding decisions made within ten business days of submission. Projects must begin on the first day of the month, at least six weeks after the application is submitted. This flexibility is intended to accommodate local planning timelines while ensuring timely project launch. Grants staff provide technical assistance throughout the application, budgeting, and reporting process, aiming to build long-term capacity among participating organizations. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations located in Texas counties with populations of 60,000 or fewer. Examples of eligible entities include museums, libraries, historical associations, school districts, cultural centers, city and county government offices, and community colleges. All applicants must have an active, publicly searchable Unique Entity ID (UEI) registration in the federal System for Award Management (SAM.gov). Organizations acting primarily as fiscal sponsors are not eligible. Past recipients must have fully closed any previous grants to be considered for new funding, though large entities with multiple sub-units may hold multiple open grants simultaneously. Funded programs must be grounded in the humanities and directed at public audiences outside of regular school or college classrooms. Humanities Texas recognizes a broad array of disciplines as qualifying under the humanities umbrella, including history, literature, art history, philosophy, and cultural studies, among others. Programs may take many forms such as lectures, exhibitions, festivals, media productions, book discussions, film screenings, and workshops. Programs aimed at K-12 teachers, community groups, or underserved populations are welcome, provided they meet the criteria of public engagement and humanities grounding. Funding can be used for a wide range of expenses directly tied to program delivery. These include personnel, consultants, honoraria, travel, promotion, program evaluation, and other related costs. The grant does not support capital expenditures, equipment purchases over $10,000, or programs that are primarily artistic, STEM-focused, or advocacy-based without a humanities lens. Programs must present a clear and reportable outcome, involve humanities experts in some capacity, and maintain balance and openness in discussing contemporary issues. Applicants are required to use the Humanities Texas online grants portal. While there is no pre-application letter required, applicants are encouraged to consult with grants staff to confirm eligibility and receive feedback. Grantees must submit a pre-award form and sign a grant agreement within fifteen days of notification. Final narrative and financial reports are due within 90 days after the end of the grant period. Contact information for assistance includes grants@humanitiestexas.org or 512-440-1991. This grant opportunity does not follow a fixed cycle and is not recurring. Applications are continuously reviewed, but organizations must submit proposals at least six weeks before their intended project start date. The grant period must begin on the first of the month. Applicants should plan ahead to ensure they allow enough time for proper acknowledgment of Humanities Texas in all promotional materials.

Ensure single activity with clear outcomes; select eligible start date; apply at least six weeks in advance