The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), a federal agency dedicated to advancing knowledge and understanding of the humanities, is offering funding through the National Garden of American Heroes: Statues program. This initiative supports the creation of lifelike statues of individuals who have significantly contributed to American heritage. The program aligns with the celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary and is governed under Executive Order 13978. The aim is to honor the achievements of notable Americans through realistic sculptures installed in a national commemorative garden.
This program invites applications from individual U.S. citizens, both domestic and abroad, for the design and creation of statues. Organizations are not eligible. Applicants may propose one, two, or three statues, with a maximum funding amount of $200,000 per statue and up to $600,000 per award. The total anticipated funding for the program is approximately $30 million, with around 150 grants expected. Projects must begin on October 1, 2025, and all statues must be completed and delivered by June 1, 2026. Funds will be released in stages based on milestone achievements such as concept approval, material procurement, sculpting, and delivery.
Applicants must register through Grants.gov with an individual applicant profile and submit a comprehensive package by July 1, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Required documents include a narrative, workplan, resumes or biographies, work samples, and letters of support. The narrative must outline the proposed figures selected from a predefined list in Executive Order 13978, design specifications, and artistic approach. The statues must be classical in style, created from marble, granite, bronze, copper, or brass, and adhere to specific size and stylistic requirements.
Applications will be evaluated based on artistic quality, applicant capability, and feasibility of the proposed work. The review process involves peer review, agency staff input, and final selection by the NEH Chairman. The NEH will announce awards in September 2025. All awarded works will become the property of the federal government, although the artist may retain limited rights as specified in the award terms.
Questions regarding the program may be directed to the NEH at statues@neh.gov or by phone at 202-606-8494. Administrative inquiries should also be sent to grantmanagement@neh.gov. Additional support for application submission is available through Grants.gov.
