Grants for State governments - Humanities

The National Historical Publications and Records Commission seeks proposals that support the work of state historical records advisory boards through projects that engage the public, expand civic education, and promote understanding of the nations history, democracy, and culture. The Commission welcomes projects that commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and that use collections to examine the ideals behind the founding of the United States and the continual interpretation and debate over these ideals over the past 250 years. Collections that center the voices and document the history of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color are especially encouraged. The purpose of this grant program is to assist state boards to broaden preservation of, and increased online access to, historical records; develop and promote best practices; support activities that put the American people in touch with primary sources in their communities and online; promote the institutional advancement of organizations in underserved communities; and assist locally based repositories with training and tools to improve their stewardship abilities. The Commission will award grants to state historical records advisory boards to: ? Operate state-based regrant programs that preserve historical records and make them available online ? Carry out traveling archivist programs that provide onsite assistance and follow-up advice to repositories ? Provide educational and outreach programs, workshops, and other activities that enhance citizen and student engagement with historical records ? Offer scholarships, training opportunities, and other programs that support institutional advancement among records repositories, especially those in underserved communities ? Collaborate on projects with other organizations to address common problems or shared opportunities within a state or among a consortium of state archives ? Hold or participate in meetings and public forums on statewide or national archival issues. State boards should review the NHPRCs strategic plan and consider its goals, objectives, and tactics when evaluating the boards current programming and considering new programs. Some tactics call on the NHPRC to partner with state boards to undertake particular activities, and other tactics relate to activities that are already common among state boards. Applications that outline programs that address the following tactics, and others that relate to the work of the state boards, will be more competitive: ? Target institutional advancement for small and underserved local archives and repositories, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, Minority-Serving Institutions, and tribal entities. ? Develop outreach strategies to historical records collections that center the voices and perspectives of African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans. ? Support opportunities for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in professional development as archivists. ? Offer workshops through a variety of sponsors to educate potential applicants about project design and the NHPRC application process. ? Implement local and statewide projects that enhance public participation and engagement in the work of archives. Projects utilizing traditional approaches with a proven record of success, as well as projects testing innovative approaches, are welcome. All applications should outline a process for contacting institutions and individuals who participate in the boards programs (i.e., regrant and training scholarship recipients, workshop attendees, etc.) to determine how they benefited. Applications should also outline a process for evaluating the boards programs, determining their effectiveness, and proposing appropriate changes. For a comprehensive list of Commission limitations on funding, please see: "What we do and do not fund." Applications that consist entirely of ineligible activities will not be considered. State boards, as well as state archives, are encouraged to consider also applying under the Commissions Archival Collaboratives: Planning and Implementation Grants program. Funding from this program can be used to build on the current efforts of state archives and state boards to address the needs of small and underrepresented archives; utilize best practices, tools, and techniques; and implement management structures that will promote long-term sustainability and growth. The Archives Collaboratives program can provide the funding necessary to support the staffing, consultants, travel, and other expenses related to the development of archival collaboratives within the state or among several states. The development of collaboratives will provide a mechanism for repositories to work together on a continuing basis to expand on what they have learned through a regrant project, a workshop, or some other program opportunity. These collaboratives can also be used to expand the capabilities of institutions so that they are in a position to apply for a regrant or for funding directly from the NHPRC, either individually or as a collaborative. Award Information The Commission offers two levels of funding. A Level I grant is for one year and for up to $12,000. A Level II grant is for one year and for up to $40,000 or for two years and for up to $80,000. Applicants may request either Level I or Level II funding, but not both. The Commission expects to make up to a total of 30 grants in this category for a total of up to $800,000. Grants begin no earlier than January 1, 2025. The Commission requires that grant recipients acknowledge NHPRC grant assistance in all publicity, publications, and other products that result from its support. Eligibility These grants are awarded only to state historical records advisory boards in each state, or to the state agency responsible for the state board, ordinarily the state archives. Another state agency, or a non-profit organization, such as a foundation or university, acting on behalf of the designated state agency may apply. States also include the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and United States territories. Projects must include at least one of the eligible activities described for the program. Applicants must include all required elements (SF 424, Narrative, NHPRC Budget Form, and Supplemental Materials). Applications that do not meet either of these criteria will not be considered. In order to ensure eligibility, applicants should first review the rules and regulations governing NHPRC grants under the Administering an NHPRC Grant section. Cost Sharing The total costs of a project are shared between the NHPRC and the applicant organization. Cost sharing is required. The applicant's financial contribution may include both direct and indirect expenses, in-kind contributions, non-Federal third-party contributions, and any income earned directly by the project. NHPRC grant recipients are not permitted to use grant funds for indirect costs (as indicated in 2 CFR 2600.101). Indirect costs must be listed under the applicant's cost sharing contribution if they are included in the budget. The Commission provides no more than 75 percent of total project costs in the State Board Programming Grants category. For example, a request of $40,000 in NHPRC grant funds means the applicant institution must provide at least $13,333 in cost share.

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 National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Office of Digital Humanities is accepting applications for the Dangers Opportunities of Technology: Perspectives from the Humanities program. This program supports research that examines technology and its relationship to society through the lens of the humanities, with a focus on the dangers and/or opportunities presented by technology, broadly defined. NEH is particularly interested in projects that examine the role of technology in shaping current social and cultural issues.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to libraries, archives, museums, and historical organizations for preserving, digitizing, and improving access to important humanities collections.

This funding opportunity supports educational workshops for K-12 educators and higher education faculty, focusing on place-based learning at significant historical and cultural sites across the United States.

With this solicitation, BJA seeks to support state, local, and tribal law enforcement and prosecution agencies, working with their partners, to investigate and prosecute unsolved cold case homicides suspected to have been racially motivated or otherwise associated with civil rights violations. This program is part of the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act, which seeks to address murder cases suspected to be racially motivated, that were committed before January 1, 1980. The program’s ultimate purpose is to bring closure to the victims’ families and the impacted communities, and to bring those responsible to justice.

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 funding to nonprofits, educational institutions, and local governments for projects that commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, promoting public engagement and historical reflection.

Microgrants support individuals and small organizations that invite the public to experience collections of local and regional history. Donor Name: Illinois Humanities State: Illinois County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/03/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: From archives and texts to stories and photography, they support stewards of history so that they can teach and enlighten their communities and impart the value of archives. Funding Information Grants awards are $750. Optional Accessibility Fund: An additional stipend of up to $250 for services such as American Sign Language interpretation or captioning to help make events more accessible to everyone. Optional Media Fund: An additional stipend of up to $100 for services such as documentation, photography, videography, etc.  Eligibility Criteria  Any individual, nonprofit organization, or public institution (e.g., school, government institution, library, museum, or church) can apply. The applicant, the history you are engaging with, or the audience engaged should be focused in Illinois. Priority is given to organizations with annual budgets of less than $400,000. For more information, visit Illinois Humanities.

This grant provides funding for individuals and organizations in Washington, DC, to create projects that celebrate and preserve the culture and heritage of local communities, culminating in a public event to showcase their work.

This grant provides funding to U.S.-based charitable organizations to create and share inspiring stories that highlight authentic Christian faith and life experiences across various media formats.

Coshocton Foundation Unrestricted Grant Application Deadline: May 31, 2024 Meeting Date: Early June 2024 Eligibility Criteria: Community organizations with a current 501(c)(3) non-profit designation are eligible to apply. Schools, churches, and government agencies are also eligible. Application Process: Application Criteria and Form: [Click Here](link to application) Contact Number: (740) 622-0010 Submission Details: Completed applications should be sent to: Coshocton Foundation P.O. Box 55 Coshocton, OH 43812 Alternatively, applications may be brought to: Coshocton Foundation Office 220 S. Fourth St. If delivering in person, please use the mail slot in the front door or call the office to make other arrangements. Seven copies of the grant request are required. Deadline for Submission: All applications must be received in the office by 4 p.m. on Friday, May 31, 2024.

This grant provides funding for collaborative projects among archivists and institutions to improve the processing, preservation, and access to Congressional Records collections across the United States.

The Inspire! Grants for Small Museums program, administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, supports project-based efforts aimed at helping small museums provide museum services to their communities. The program is a special initiative of the Museums for America program, designed specifically for small museums of all disciplines. Projects funded through this program should align with one of the following objectives: supporting lifelong learning through experiential and cross-disciplinary learning experiences, strengthening institutional capacity, or improving collections stewardship and access. Projects must be tied to a key component of the museum’s strategic plan and generate measurable results to address an identified need or challenge. For fiscal year 2025, IMLS anticipates awarding approximately $3,000,000 in funding across 75 grants. The grant program offers two levels of funding: small projects may request between $5,000 and $25,000, with no cost share required, while large projects may request between $25,001 and $75,000, requiring a one-to-one cost share from non-federal sources. Projects must begin on or after September 1, 2025, and can span a performance period of one to three years. Applications are due by November 15, 2024, and must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Eligible applicants include museums that are nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, tribal organizations, or units of state or local government located in the United States or its territories. Museums must operate on a permanent basis, have educational or cultural purposes, exhibit objects to the public regularly, and employ professional staff. Museums located within larger parent organizations, such as universities or cultural centers, may apply independently if they operate as discrete units with their own budgets. Partnerships and collaborations with other entities are encouraged to enhance the project’s scope and impact. Applicants are required to submit a complete application, including a project narrative, budget form, budget justification, project schedule, performance measurement plan, strategic plan summary, and organizational profile. The project narrative, limited to five pages, must address three components: project justification, project work plan, and project results. Applicants must clearly identify the primary audience and beneficiaries, outline specific project activities, and explain how outcomes will be sustained after the project concludes. Supporting documents such as resumes, letters of commitment, and conservation reports may also be submitted as applicable. Applications will be evaluated through a peer review process based on the project’s alignment with program goals, clarity and feasibility of the work plan, qualifications of key personnel, and potential for meaningful and lasting results. The peer review criteria focus on the project’s justification, work plan, and intended outcomes, including the applicant’s ability to achieve and measure success. For collections-related projects, improvements in care, condition, or access to collections will also be evaluated. Award notifications are expected in August 2025. Successful applicants will be required to submit interim and final performance and financial reports through IMLS’s grants management system. The program encourages applicants to contact IMLS program officers for guidance during the application process and to participate in informational webinars. Further resources, including sample applications, can be accessed on the IMLS website.

This grant provides professional development opportunities for higher education faculty and K-12 educators to enhance their understanding of the humanities and improve their teaching practices through collaborative study and innovative curriculum development.

The Cultural and Community Resilience program supports community-based efforts to mitigate climate change and COVID-19 pandemic impacts, safeguard cultural resources, and foster cultural resilience through identifying, documenting, and/or collecting cultural heritage and community experience. The program prioritizes projects from disadvantaged communities in the United States or its jurisdictions, and NEH encourages applications that employ inclusive methodologies. This NOFO covers the January and May 2023 deadlines.

This funding opportunity provides financial assistance to state and local governments, in partnership with nonprofit organizations, for the acquisition and preservation of significant Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War battlefields.

This grant provides funding to eligible organizations for projects that protect and preserve cultural heritage, including historic sites, museum collections, and traditional cultural practices in Suriname.

This funding opportunity supports individuals and organizations in Washington, DC, to document and preserve the oral histories of local residents, focusing on community collaboration and culturally significant themes.

This funding opportunity supports collaborative projects among scholars in the humanities, encouraging interdisciplinary research that leads to significant scholarly outputs, with a focus on diverse perspectives and sustainable contributions to humanistic knowledge.