West Virginia Humanities Media Grants

The West Virginia Humanities Council, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, administers a variety of grant programs that support public humanities projects across the state. Through its MEDIA Grants program, the Council funds projects that develop, script, and produce media-rich content grounded in the humanities for West Virginia audiences. The goal is to amplify the understanding of human culture and history through high-quality, accessible media formats, including audio and video materials, digital platforms like websites, and newspaper series. MEDIA Grants are competitive awards of up to $20,000. Projects must align with the Council’s humanities definitions, which include disciplines such as history, literature, philosophy, law, archaeology, and comparative religion. All proposals must demonstrate clear humanities content and involve qualified humanities scholars. Eligible projects may explore topics like West Virginia’s regional history, cultural traditions, or social issues through a humanistic lens. Notably, projects like the interactive documentary "Hollow" and the "Traveling 219" website have received funding in the past. Allowable costs under the grant include honoraria for scholars, travel, supplies, and production-related expenses. Applicants must secure a dollar-for-dollar match, including a minimum 25% cash match for grants exceeding $2,000. The project must be open to the public and incorporate a robust publicity plan to ensure wide community engagement. Additionally, a comprehensive evaluation plan is required to assess project outcomes and audience impact. Applications must be submitted online through the West Virginia Humanities Council’s Formstack portal. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Grants Administrator Erin Riebe before beginning the process to confirm eligibility and alignment. The application requires detailed project and budget narratives, scholar involvement, a promotional strategy, and a production timeline. A sample of past media work and a script treatment or detailed content statement must also be submitted. The annual application deadline for MEDIA Grants is September 1. Projects should begin no earlier than twelve weeks after this deadline to allow for review and processing. Notification typically follows shortly after submission, and funded projects are expected to comply with federal nondiscrimination statutes and grant guidelines. The program is recurring annually and is open to nonprofit organizations operating within West Virginia. Applications must be certified by the sponsoring organization’s CEO and meet registration requirements with SAM.gov. The MEDIA Grants initiative reflects the Council’s broader mission to enrich public understanding of the humanities throughout the state. Through thoughtful funding and oversight, the Council supports multimedia storytelling and education that preserve West Virginia’s diverse heritage and make the humanities accessible to a wide audience.

Contact the grants administrator early to verify eligibility and alignment. Reviewers prioritize humanities substance, qualified scholars, and clear public benefit.