The 2025 Oral History Interviewing Grant, part of the DC Oral History Collaborative (DCOHC), supports projects that document and preserve the lived experiences of Washington, DC residents. Administered by HumanitiesDC in partnership with the DC Public Library, this program awards up to $8,000, with an additional $5,000 available for translation services, for projects that collect and archive new oral history interviews. Applications must be submitted through the HumanitiesDC online portal by February 18, 2025, at 5:59 PM, and the project period runs from May 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026.
Eligible applicants include individuals, community groups, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations based in Washington, DC. Individuals must be at least 18 years old and full-time DC residents. Projects must focus on DC communities, cultures, or histories and produce interviews for inclusion in the DC Public Library archives. Applicants are required to attend a three-session oral history training workshop in May 2025 and conduct at least five interviews during the project period. Deliverables include recordings, transcripts, indexes, release forms, and metadata, which must be submitted by March 3, 2026.
Proposals should include a clear research question and demonstrate community collaboration and cultural significance. Projects addressing themes like Go-Go music, DC’s punk scene, or the impact of Marion Barry are especially encouraged, though other DC-related topics are welcome. Applicants must articulate their connection to the chosen community and outline plans for recruiting narrators.
There is no cash match requirement, but applicants must detail how they will fund activities exceeding the grant amount. The grant funds may be used for direct program costs such as salaries, equipment, transcription services, and honoraria. Indirect costs, overhead, and expenses unrelated to the project, such as fundraisers or administrative fees, are not allowed.
The review process evaluates proposals based on criteria including project description (35%), community collaboration (30%), contribution to DC history (25%), and capacity and personnel (10%). Applicants scoring above the funding threshold will be notified of their status approximately eight weeks after the deadline. Grantees must complete an interim report by September 15, 2025, and a final report by the end of the grant period.
This opportunity is ideal for those passionate about capturing and preserving the unique stories of DC residents, particularly through themes with cultural and historical resonance.
