Quick Grant Program

Connecticut Humanities (CTH) offers the Quick Grants program to support the implementation of small-scale, community-oriented public humanities projects. These grants are designed to foster a broader understanding of human history, culture, values, and beliefs through accessible and interpretive programming. CTH is a nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities and serves to promote meaningful community engagement and historical exploration in Connecticut. Quick Grants support projects such as exhibitions, walking or driving tours, discussion-based programs, community reading initiatives, and digital humanities tools. Quick Grant projects must be open to the general public, free or low-cost to attend, and clearly interpretive in nature, rooted in humanities scholarship. Eligible projects can enhance broader public events but cannot be used as a cash match for other CTH grants. Formats supported include exhibitions, community events such as film screenings or panel discussions, and community reads which foster collective learning through shared reading experiences. Grants are awarded up to $4,999 and must be completed within a 12-month project period beginning the month following the application submission. To qualify, applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations incorporated in Connecticut for at least one year, Connecticut municipalities, or Connecticut-based federally or state-recognized tribes. Ineligible entities include individuals, for-profit entities, and state agencies. Applicants must be in compliance with any previous Connecticut Humanities grants. A matching requirement of one-to-one is enforced, allowing both in-kind and cash contributions, but state funds may not be used as matching funds. There are specific exclusions including artistic creation, curriculum development, capital improvements, and indirect organizational overhead. All applications must include a project budget using the CTH Universal Budget Form, a current board list, and the current year’s operating budget. The application must be submitted via the online grant portal. Importantly, prospective applicants must first discuss their project with CTH staff before submitting. Applications without this communication will be disqualified. Draft reviews can be requested up to one week before the deadline. Applications are reviewed on a quarterly basis with due dates for FY25 being August 2, 2024, November 1, 2024, February 7, 2025, and May 2, 2025. Awards are announced on the first workday of the month following each deadline. The review process emphasizes humanities content, inclusion, innovation, accessibility, and collaboration. Programs linked to the America 250|CT initiative or Connecticut Book Award authors are encouraged. Projects must align with the Connecticut Humanities Indigenous Values Statement when relevant. Following award notification, awardees must comply with specific publicity and intellectual property requirements, and they are provided with resources including a PR toolkit and reporting instructions. For additional questions or to begin the application process, applicants must contact the grants team via email at grants@cthumanities.org or by phone at +1 860 785 9640. The CTH office is located at 100 Riverview Center, Suite 290, Middletown, CT 06457 and is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.