Planning Grant

The Connecticut Humanities Fund administers the Public Presentation Planning Grants to support organizations in the development stage of humanities-based projects. These grants are designed to help institutions plan for exhibitions, discussion-based programs, interpretive digital media initiatives, and curriculum development. By offering funding at the planning stage, Connecticut Humanities enables organizations to conduct research, engage consultants, gather input from stakeholders, and establish project frameworks that are grounded in scholarly integrity and clearly defined goals. Planning Grants do not guarantee subsequent Implementation Grant funding, but they are structured to provide applicants with the foundation necessary to implement their project successfully in the future. Connecticut Humanities prioritizes projects that demonstrate strong humanities scholarship and content, present diverse and inclusive perspectives, and relate to issues relevant to communities in Connecticut. Special priority is given to projects connected to the America 250 | CT Commission themes, which commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States. The program encourages projects that are innovative, accessible, and collaborative, with the potential to inspire public engagement and provide lasting impact beyond the grant period. Projects that address contemporary issues, link past to present, and contextualize community matters are especially encouraged. Organizations eligible to apply must be Connecticut-based and incorporated for at least one year as a nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status, a Connecticut municipality, or a federally or state-recognized tribe within Connecticut. They must demonstrate consistent programming or professional service in support of the humanities. Ineligible applicants include for-profit organizations, individuals, agencies of the State of Connecticut, and organizations out of compliance with previous Connecticut Humanities awards. All applicants must be in compliance with the terms of prior Connecticut Humanities grants to be considered. Funding ranges from $5,000 to $25,000, and each Planning Grant lasts for eighteen months. Funds may be applied to eligible costs such as salaries (capped at 25% of the grant request), honoraria, consultant fees, travel, technical design services, equipment, and project-specific supplies. Ineligible costs include political or religious advocacy, artistic product creation, facility renovations, capital purchases, endowments, publications, student curricula restricted to enrolled participants, debt service, food or catering, and expenses outside the grant period. A dollar-for-dollar match is required, which may be met through a combination of in-kind contributions, applicant cash, and third-party cash contributions. Funding from the State of Connecticut may not be used for the matching requirement. The application process requires prior communication with Connecticut Humanities Grants Staff. Applicants must email grants@cthumanities.org to discuss their project before applying, as applications submitted without this step will not be reviewed. Applications are submitted online through the Connecticut Humanities grant portal. Required attachments include résumés or CVs of funded project personnel, letters of commitment from partners, a project budget using the CTH Universal Budget Form, the applicant’s board list, and annual operating budgets for the current and prior year. For digital projects, applicants must also include technology selection processes, vendor proposals, and database information. Draft application reviews may be requested at least two weeks before deadlines by submitting a draft in the portal and notifying staff. Applications are accepted twice annually. For FY25–26, deadlines are December 1, 2025, and May 1, 2026. Award notifications are made by the first business day of February for December applicants and by the first business day of July for May applicants. All funded activities must occur within the eighteen-month project period following the award. In FY25, Planning Grants had a success rate of 42 percent. Connecticut Humanities provides applicants with resources such as sample grant applications, FAQs, and a grant application process overview. All awarded grants are subject to Connecticut Humanities’ Intellectual Property Policy, and post-award grantee resources are available online. Connecticut Humanities is located at 100 Riverview Center, Suite 290, Middletown, CT 06457. Staff can be contacted at info@cthumanities.org or by phone at +1 860 785 9640 during business hours, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. More information, including application materials and grant guidelines, is available on their website at https://cthumanities.org/grant-application-process/.

Applicants must contact CTH staff prior to applying. Draft reviews may be requested two weeks before deadline