Public Scholars

The Public Scholars program is a competitive funding initiative administered by the Division of Research Programs at the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), a U.S. federal agency. This program provides financial support to individual authors working on nonfiction books in the humanities that are intended for a broad, general audience. The purpose of the program is to bridge the gap between academic research and public understanding by encouraging scholars and independent writers to communicate the insights of the humanities in accessible and engaging ways. The NEH aims to support books that are authoritative and well-researched while remaining clear and appealing to non-specialist readers. The program encourages applicants from both academic and non-academic backgrounds, including journalists and independent researchers. No advanced degree is required to apply. However, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements, including a proven track record of publication. This can include having authored a nonfiction book published by a university or trade press or at least three nonfiction articles or essays in widely circulated general-interest publications. In fiscal years 2025 and 2026, the program anticipates approximately $1,500,000 in funding per application deadline, with around 25 grants awarded each cycle. The award provides a stipend of $5,000 per full-time month, up to a maximum of $60,000 for 12 months. The period of performance must range from six to twelve months and may consist of full-time or part-time work. Projects may begin as early as June 1 of the year following the application deadline and must start no later than October 1 of the subsequent year. Award funds are outright and do not require matching, nor do they cover indirect costs if administered through an institution. Eligible applicants must be either U.S. citizens or foreign nationals who have resided in the United States for at least three years before the application deadline. Applicants cannot be enrolled in a degree-granting program during the grant period. Moreover, the program does not support dissertation revisions, self-published works, fiction, textbooks, or projects primarily aimed at academic audiences. In 2025–2026, the program has a special focus on projects related to the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, including themes of liberty, democracy, and American exceptionalism. Applications are submitted via Grants.gov under the opportunity number 20241127-FZ. Required application components include a narrative, work plan, bibliography, résumé, and writing sample, all subject to strict formatting and page limit guidelines. Additional recommended components include a letter of commitment from a publisher. Two reference letters must also be submitted by specified deadlines after the application is complete. Peer reviewers assess applications based on criteria including clarity, scholarly rigor, public appeal, feasibility, and dissemination strategy. Final funding decisions are made by the NEH Chair following review by the National Council on the Humanities. The next two application deadlines are August 28, 2024, and August 6, 2025, with award announcements expected in April 2025 and April 2026, respectively. For assistance, applicants can contact the NEH Division of Research Programs by phone at 202-606-8200 or by email at publicscholar@neh.gov. Additional resources, including a pre-application webinar and the application package, are available through the Public Scholars program page on the NEH website.

Follow exact formatting and length requirements; applications that deviate will be rejected. Submit early to allow for technical checks. Use the optional publisher letter to strengthen dissemination plans.