Healing Humanities Cultural Place-keeping Grant

St. Croix Foundation’s 2025 Healing Humanities Cultural Place-Keeping Grant Program, launched in partnership with the Mellon Foundation, aims to empower nonprofits on the island of St. Croix through strategic investment in arts, culture, and heritage. As part of the Mellon Foundation’s Humanities in Place initiative, the program channels over half a million dollars into the local nonprofit sector to foster healing, community identity, and social transformation through humanities-based work. Applications will be accepted from March 21, 2025, through April 25, 2025, with awards announced by May 23, 2025. The program prioritizes place-keeping efforts—defined as the preservation and celebration of a community's cultural and historical identity—and encourages multigenerational, community-rooted approaches that highlight St. Croix’s narratives and traditions. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits based in St. Croix or organizations fiscally sponsored by such nonprofits, with a demonstrated history of local engagement. Territory-wide organizations may also apply, provided their project activities occur on St. Croix. Grants may range from $10,000 to $75,000, with a performance period of 12 to 18 months starting June 1, 2025. An estimated 7 to 15 awards will be made, and average awards are expected to be approximately $40,000. Phased disbursements will apply to most awards. Proposals may include both project-based and general operating requests, provided the organization’s mission and work center on arts, culture, and heritage. The program excludes proposals that exclusively serve youth under 18, scholarships, standalone films or publications, and capital campaigns unless focused on discrete construction efforts completed within the grant term. Projects must align with cultural place-keeping objectives, and eligibility hinges on proof of impact, community benefit, and compliance with specific operational guidelines such as insurance or permissions for property use. The grant review process is managed by a committee composed of community leaders, subject-matter experts, and SCF staff. Evaluation is based on a rubric emphasizing alignment with cultural priorities, community impact, and feasibility. Reviewers assess innovation, equity, inclusivity, partnerships, assessment strategies, organizational capacity, and financial planning. SCF will also conduct site visits and monitor progress through quarterly reports. To apply, applicants must access SCF’s grants portal and submit all materials by 11:59 p.m. AST on April 25, 2025. Two optional information sessions will be hosted virtually on March 25 and April 10, 2025. Questions may be directed to Paloma McGregor, SCF’s Program Officer for Humanities & Culture, at [email protected]. Interested applicants are encouraged to engage early to allow time for technical support.

Review rubric; tailor to humanities goals; attend info sessions.