Grants for Nonprofits - Humanities

This funding opportunity supports U.S.-based nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and government entities in creating media projects that promote public engagement with humanities topics, particularly those that enhance understanding of American culture and democratic values.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies in creating engaging public humanities projects that make history, literature, and the arts accessible to diverse audiences.

This grant provides financial support to non-profit organizations and local government units in Union County to enhance historical programs, improve site management, and increase public access to historical resources.

The Museum Grants for American Latino History and Culture (ALHC) program, administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), supports projects that strengthen the capacity of American Latino museums to serve their communities and advance professional development within the sector. The program funds initiatives that align with two key goals: building institutional capacity and advancing the professional museum workforce. Projects must align with at least one goal and one associated objective to address identified challenges and generate measurable results. Projects under the first goal, building the capacity of American Latino museums, may include public programs, exhibitions, educational resources, technology enhancements, community outreach, audience development, collections care, and institutional planning. The second goal, advancing the professional workforce, supports projects such as internships and fellowships for students, professional development programs for museum staff and volunteers, and convening experts to address challenges within the sector. Projects should provide measurable and meaningful results to advance knowledge, skills, and institutional capacity in serving audiences and preserving cultural heritage. For fiscal year 2025, IMLS anticipates awarding approximately $6,000,000, supporting an estimated 24 grants. Individual awards will range from $5,000 to $500,000, with a period of performance spanning one to three years, starting no earlier than July 1, 2025. Cost share is allowed but not required, and it will not influence application review. The application deadline is November 15, 2024, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time, with awards expected to be announced by June 2025. Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov. Eligible applicants include museums primarily focused on American Latino life, art, history, or culture. This includes nonprofit organizations, tribal organizations, state and local governments, and institutions of higher education, including Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). Museums operating within parent organizations, such as universities or cultural centers, may apply independently if they operate as discrete units with their own budgets and authority. Museums must meet IMLS’s eligibility criteria, such as professional staffing, public exhibition schedules, and educational missions. Applicants must submit a complete application package, including the SF-424S form, project narrative, budget form, budget justification, performance measurement plan, and resumes of key personnel. The project narrative is limited to seven pages and must address three components: project justification, work plan, and intended results. Supporting documents, such as letters of commitment, collections plans, and outreach strategies, may be included to strengthen the proposal. Projects generating digital products must include a digital products plan that addresses availability, access, and sustainability. Applications will be evaluated through a peer review process based on criteria such as alignment with program goals, the feasibility of the work plan, the qualifications of project personnel, and the potential for measurable results and sustained impact. Successful applicants will be required to comply with federal reporting requirements, including interim and final performance and financial reports. IMLS provides technical assistance, including webinars and program staff consultations, to help applicants prepare competitive proposals. Further details and resources are available on the IMLS website.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and educational institutions in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, to enhance community services and educational opportunities.

The Gambrill Foundation supports a variety of charitable causes with a primary focus on organizations that uplift and positively impact the residents of the Anderson County, South Carolina area. Donor Name: Gambrill Foundation State: South Carolina County: Anderson County (SC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Gambrill Foundation awards grants to organizations for religious, charitable, scientific, literary or educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Program Areas Arts, culture, and humanities Education Environment, animals Health Human services Public/society benefit Religion Grantmaking Priorities Grants to charitable organizations will be made at the sole and unrestricted discretion of the individual Co-Trustees. Generally, grants are designated for use within the Anderson County, South Carolina area or to support activities within the Anderson County area. Preference will be given to libraries, churches, universities, and colleges. Grants for capital or special purposes will be preferred over grants for general or operational use. Priority will be given to grants that will be “matched” by funds from other sources. Funding Information Average grant size: $5,000 to $15,000. Average total giving per year: $175,000. Eligibility Criteria To be eligible, organizations must qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The programs and services of the applicant must be consistent with the Foundation’s mission and values. The benefits of the grant must have a measurable impact within the Anderson County, South Carolina area and must benefit a substantial number of residents. All applicants must have the financial ability to sustain the funded program or project on a continuing basis. Applications must be submitted through the online grant application form or alternative accessible application designed for assistive technology users. If available, applicants must provide an audited financial statement for the most recent complete fiscal year. The audited financial statement must be uploaded within the online grant application form. For more information, visit Wells Fargo.

This grant provides financial support to Jewish charities and other organizations in Atlantic County, New Jersey, focusing on charitable, religious, scientific, literary, or educational initiatives.

This program provides capital funding to nonprofit organizations in Kane and Kendall counties, Illinois, for projects that improve their facilities and infrastructure, such as technology and equipment upgrades.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in select Southern states for capital projects and educational programs that aim to improve graduation rates.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Greenville County and the Upstate South Carolina region that are working to address poverty and discrimination through sustainable community-based solutions.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island that provide essential services in human services, education, arts, and responsible journalism, particularly focusing on the homeless and youth.

This program provides funding to non-profits and public organizations for projects that improve the community in areas such as arts, education, economic development, and historic preservation within the ISD 88 region.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, government units, and educational institutions in Charlevoix County that are working on projects related to arts, music, history, and culture.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, government entities, and educational institutions in Charlevoix County to implement projects focused on environmental education, protection, restoration, and sustainability.

The Community Good Grants Program provides funding requests once a year according to its grant cycle. These grants are intended to support a wide variety of needs within Knox County, including one-time project support, additional support, or expansions of initial projects. The funding is made possible through Community Good Unrestricted Funds and Field of Interest Funds. Applications for the 2024 cycle are accepted from August 1, 2024, through September 11, 2024, with a deadline at noon. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) and 509(a) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies serving Knox County. Nonprofit organizations not classified as 501(c)(3) public charities may be considered if the project is charitable and supports a community need, potentially requiring a fiscal sponsor.

This grant provides funding for organizations in Southwestern Pennsylvania focused on historic preservation, civic development, and education, while excluding those heavily reliant on government support.

The National Leadership Grants for Museums program, administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, supports projects that address significant and pressing needs within the museum sector, with the goal of advancing professional practice and strengthening museum services. The program funds innovative, impactful projects that can be scaled, adapted, or replicated to benefit museums broadly. The 2025 opportunity emphasizes projects that align with IMLS goals: lifelong learning, community engagement, and collections stewardship and access. Projects are expected to demonstrate collaboration, address challenges faced by the field, and generate models, tools, or research findings with wide applicability. The program supports two types of projects: non-research projects and research projects. Non-research projects focus on practical solutions, tools, or models to address critical needs in the museum sector, while research projects aim to investigate questions relevant to museum practice using rigorous data collection and analysis methods. Non-research projects require a one-to-one cost share, while research projects do not require cost sharing. Applicants must clearly articulate their project’s goals, work plans, and results to demonstrate impact and sustainability. IMLS anticipates awarding approximately $5,800,000 in total funding, with an estimated 15 grants to be awarded. Individual awards range from $50,000 to $750,000, with an average award size of $453,106. The period of performance spans one to three years, beginning no earlier than September 1, 2025. Applicants must submit proposals electronically via Grants.gov by November 15, 2024, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Late submissions will not be considered. Successful applicants will be notified by August 2025. Eligible applicants include museums, institutions of higher education, museum service organizations, tribal organizations, and nonprofit organizations that advance the museum profession. Museums must meet IMLS criteria, including professional staffing, regular public exhibitions, and an educational or cultural mission. Museums operating as discrete units within larger organizations may apply independently if they meet specific eligibility criteria, including budgetary and operational autonomy. Partnerships and collaborations are encouraged to maximize the scope and impact of proposed projects. Applications must include a project narrative addressing three key areas: project justification, work plan, and intended results. The narrative must describe the need or challenge being addressed, identify key activities and milestones, and outline the expected outcomes and plans for broad dissemination. Supporting documents, including budget forms, a performance measurement plan, resumes of key staff, and a data management and sharing plan for research projects, are also required. Applicants must ensure their project aligns with one of the program’s goals: advancing experiential and cross-disciplinary learning, addressing community needs through partnerships, or improving collections care and access. IMLS evaluates applications through a peer review process, considering factors such as the project’s alignment with program goals, clarity and feasibility of the work plan, and potential impact and sustainability. Successful projects will demonstrate the ability to create innovative tools, research findings, or practices that address field-wide challenges and improve museum services. Proposals must include plans for broad dissemination of results to ensure benefits extend beyond the participating institutions. Awardees are required to submit interim and final financial and performance reports and comply with all federal regulations and IMLS award conditions. IMLS provides additional resources, including webinars and technical assistance, to support applicants in developing competitive proposals. Further details about the program, including sample applications and contact information for program staff, are available on the IMLS website.

The Museum Grants for African American History and Culture program, administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), provides funding to support African American museums and institutions with a focus on enhancing institutional capacity and promoting the professional growth of museum professionals. The program is designed to increase access to museum and archival collections, strengthen museum operations, and develop museum leadership. Eligible projects should align with one of two program goals: building the capacity of African American museums to serve their communities or supporting the growth and development of museum professionals. The program supports two project categories: small projects with funding ranging from $5,000 to $100,000, which do not require cost sharing, and large projects ranging from $100,001 to $500,000, which require a one-to-one cost share. The anticipated period of performance is up to three years, starting no earlier than July 1, 2025. IMLS expects to award approximately $6,000,000 in total funding, supporting about 35 projects, with an average award size of $171,429. Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov by November 15, 2024, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Eligible applicants include African American museums, museum service organizations that support African American museums, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Museums must meet IMLS eligibility criteria, such as operating on a permanent basis, employing professional staff, and exhibiting collections to the public for at least 120 days annually. Museums located within larger institutions, such as universities or cultural centers, may apply independently if they function as discrete units with their own budgets. Partnerships and collaborations with other organizations are encouraged. Applicants are required to submit a complete application package, including a project narrative, a detailed budget with justification, a performance measurement plan, and supporting documentation. The project narrative must address three core areas: project justification, project work plan, and project results. The justification should identify the need or challenge being addressed, the primary audience, and the intended beneficiaries. The work plan should outline specific activities, responsible personnel, timelines, and risk mitigation strategies. The project results must describe expected outcomes, including how the project will achieve meaningful change and ensure long-term sustainability. Applications are evaluated through a peer review process based on the project's alignment with program goals, the feasibility and clarity of the work plan, the qualifications of key personnel, and the potential for measurable and sustained impact. For collections-related projects, improvements in access, care, or preservation of collections will also be assessed. Projects that demonstrate broad adaptability and shareable tools, models, or research findings will receive particular consideration. Award notifications are expected in June 2025. Successful applicants must submit interim and final financial and performance reports and comply with all federal regulations, including those related to cost principles and project administration. IMLS provides technical assistance, including webinars and program guidance, to help applicants develop competitive proposals. Further information, including examples of previously funded projects and application resources, can be accessed on the IMLS website.

The 21st Century Museum Professionals Program provides funding to support the professional development of the museum workforce and the recruitment and training of future museum professionals. The program is administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and focuses on strengthening career pathways, professional networks, and inclusive recruitment strategies for individuals working in the museum sector. Projects are expected to address critical needs within the workforce, advance career development, and improve training opportunities across museums, associations, and related educational institutions. This program has two primary goals: supporting the professional development of the current museum workforce and recruiting and training future museum professionals. Projects must align with at least one goal and its associated objectives. Activities may include creating or enhancing training programs, developing evaluation strategies to identify best practices, adapting higher education programs, or offering internships, mentoring, and fellowships for underrepresented groups. Projects should be designed with measurable outcomes to ensure meaningful impact, such as improving skills, knowledge, or professional networks. The program will award up to eight grants with a total funding amount of two million dollars, with individual awards ranging from one hundred thousand to five hundred thousand dollars. The anticipated period of performance is July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028. Applicants must provide cost share or match funds equal to or greater than the amount requested. Applications are due electronically through Grants.gov by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on November 15, 2024. Eligible applicants include museums, institutions of higher education, museum associations, nonprofit organizations supporting museums, and tribal organizations that meet specific criteria. Museums applying must employ professional staff, operate for educational or cultural purposes, and exhibit objects to the public for at least 120 days per year. Institutions within parent organizations may apply independently if they operate as discrete units with separate budgets and authority. Partnerships and collaborations with other entities are encouraged to expand project reach and impact. Applications must include required documents such as the narrative, budget form, organizational profile, and a performance measurement plan. The narrative is limited to seven pages and must address project justification, work plan, and expected results. Additional documents, including resumes, letters of commitment, and supporting materials, may also be submitted. Proposals will be evaluated based on alignment with program goals, the quality of the work plan, the experience of project personnel, and the potential impact of the results. The IMLS will use a peer review process to assess applications. Reviewers will evaluate proposals based on the project’s justification, the clarity and feasibility of the work plan, and the likelihood of achieving meaningful results. Successful applicants will be notified by June 2025, with projects starting no earlier than July 1, 2025. Reporting requirements include interim and final financial and performance reports submitted through the IMLS grants management system. Applicants are encouraged to contact IMLS program officers for guidance and to participate in webinars designed to assist with the application process. Additional resources, including sample applications and detailed instructions, are available on the IMLS website. All project activities and expenditures must comply with federal regulations and cost principles outlined in 2 CFR Part 200.

The Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services Program provides funding to support Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations in sustaining their cultural heritage, knowledge, and museum services. Administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the program focuses on projects that build institutional capacity, preserve Indigenous languages and cultural practices, enhance collections stewardship, and strengthen professional development for museum staff. Funded projects may include educational programming, oral history documentation, conservation treatments, exhibition development, digitization initiatives, repatriation efforts, and professional training opportunities. For fiscal year 2025, IMLS anticipates awarding approximately $3,772,000 through this program, supporting about 20 projects. Applicants may request between $5,000 and $250,000, with an average award size of $150,000. Projects can span a period of one to three years, with a start date no earlier than **July 1, 2025**. While cost share is allowed, it is not required and will not be considered in the application review process. Awards are contingent upon the availability of funds and the quality of proposals submitted. Eligible applicants include federally recognized Indian tribes and nonprofit organizations that primarily serve and represent Native Hawaiians. Organizations applying as Native Hawaiian-serving nonprofits must provide documentation to confirm their nonprofit status and eligibility. Museums operating within larger institutions, such as universities or cultural centers, may apply independently if they function as discrete units with separate budgets and operations. Partnerships and collaborations with other institutions are encouraged to maximize project impact. Applicants must submit a complete application through Grants.gov by November 15, 2024, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Required components include a project narrative, budget form, budget justification, performance measurement plan, schedule of completion, and resumes of key personnel. The project narrative must address three main sections: project justification, work plan, and intended results. Applicants must clearly articulate the project’s goals, describe activities and timelines, and explain how project outcomes will benefit the target community or collections. Supporting documents, such as letters of commitment, conservation reports, or digital product plans, may also be included as applicable. Applications will be evaluated through a peer review process, with reviewers assessing alignment with program goals, clarity and feasibility of the work plan, qualifications of project personnel, and the potential for achieving meaningful and measurable results. For projects involving collections, reviewers will consider the anticipated improvements to their care, access, or preservation. IMLS will notify successful applicants by June 2025. Post-award requirements include regular financial and performance reporting through the IMLS grants management system, eGMS Reach. Awardees must comply with all federal regulations regarding allowable costs, reporting, and project administration. For technical assistance, IMLS program staff are available to provide guidance, and informational webinars will be offered to support applicants. Additional resources, including sample applications and program information, can be accessed on the IMLS website.