Humanities Grants

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.

The Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts offers the Community Arts Grants program, providing $10,000 to $100,000 in matching funds to eligible 501(c)3 organizations for projects in heritage preservation, community arts, arts education, and performing arts, aimed at promoting cultural awareness, resilience, and well-being in Hawaii's communities.

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.

The Rural Shelter program provides funding for the creation, improvement, or purchase of homeless shelters in non-urban areas, aiming to restore their capacity to pre-COVID levels.

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 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 Humanities Project Grants, administered by the State Historical Society of Iowa and funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), aim to support public humanities projects that encourage contemplation, spark conversation, and engage the community. This aligns with a broader mission to explore the human experience through educational programming. The program's strategic priority is to use humanities as a central resource to involve and benefit diverse groups of Iowans, fostering public value through deliberate public engagement and access to project activities. The target beneficiaries for this grant program include federally tax-exempt 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations incorporated and physically located in Iowa, or in border state communities demonstrating significant impact on Iowa's cultural vitality. Units of local, county, or federally-recognized tribal governments physically located in Iowa are also eligible, as are units within Iowa-based institutions of higher education with a core humanities mission. Individual filmmakers or humanities experts who are current, legal Iowa residents are also eligible, provided their projects are initiated and managed by the individual and do not primarily benefit an organization. The impact goal is to involve and benefit diverse groups of Iowans through educational programming exploring the human experience. The program prioritizes projects where humanities are central and demonstrate public value to Iowans. Eligible projects span various formats, including community discussions, lecture series, workshops, films, interpretive exhibits, and podcasts. While creative or performing arts projects may be eligible, they must serve as a catalyst for a humanities-centric project and include interpretation and/or discussion of the art. Subject areas considered include archaeology, comparative religion, cultural anthropology, ethics, folklore, gender studies, history, jurisprudence, languages, law, linguistics, literature, philosophy, and the interpretation of the arts, as well as aspects of social sciences that explore humanity and meaning within communities. Expected outcomes include increased public engagement with humanities topics and enhanced cultural vitality across Iowa. Projects are expected to benefit diverse groups of Iowans through educational programming. Measurable results would likely stem from the types of eligible projects, such as attendance at community discussions, lecture series, or workshops, or the reach of films, exhibits, or podcasts. The funding period for all project activities and expenses is November 1, 2024, to October 31, 2025, with grants ranging from $2,500 to $30,000 to cover eligible one-time project expenses. The program's theory of change posits that by funding accessible and engaging public humanities projects, it will foster deeper contemplation, conversation, and community engagement, ultimately enriching the human experience for Iowans.

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 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.

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.

The Museums for America (MFA) grant program, administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), provides funding to support strategic, project-based efforts that help museums of all types and sizes serve their communities. The program’s primary focus is on enhancing museums' abilities to provide public exhibitions, educational programs, professional development, audience engagement, and collections care. Through this funding opportunity, projects must align with the goals of lifelong learning, community engagement, or collections stewardship and access. Applicants are required to demonstrate how their proposed activities will advance their museum’s strategic goals and generate measurable outcomes for their audiences and communities. The total anticipated funding for the Museums for America program in fiscal year 2025 is approximately $21,699,000. IMLS expects to make around 122 awards, with grants ranging between $5,000 and $250,000. The average award size in previous years has been approximately $177,860. Projects must begin on or after September 1, 2025, and have a performance period of one to three years. A one-to-one cost share (matching funds) is required for all awards under this program, with the cost share contributed from non-federal sources. 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, its territories, or freely associated states. Museums must operate on a permanent basis for educational, cultural, or aesthetic purposes, exhibit objects to the public regularly, and employ professional staff. Institutions operating as discrete units within parent organizations may apply independently if they meet specific eligibility criteria, including having their own budgets and operational authority. The application requires a project narrative that addresses three core components: project justification, project work plan, and project results. The narrative must explain the need or challenge the project addresses, the specific activities and resources required to implement the project, and the intended outcomes for audiences or collections. Supporting documents, such as resumes of key staff, a performance measurement plan, budget justifications, and optional letters of commitment or partnership, are also required. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on November 15, 2024. The peer review process evaluates applications based on alignment with MFA program goals, clarity of the work plan, qualifications of project staff, and the likelihood of achieving meaningful and lasting results. IMLS prioritizes projects that incorporate best practices, foster community collaboration, and promote access to collections or programs for underserved audiences. Applicants are encouraged to focus on sustainability, ensuring the benefits of their project will continue beyond the funding period. Award notifications are expected in August 2025, with detailed reviewer feedback provided to both successful and unsuccessful applicants. Post-award requirements include submitting interim and final financial and performance reports and adhering to federal regulations on cost principles and award administration. For technical assistance, IMLS program staff are available to answer questions and provide resources to help applicants develop competitive proposals.

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 Museums Empowered grant program, administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), supports projects that utilize professional development and training to create systemic change within museums. This special initiative of the Museums for America program targets four key areas of museum operations: digital technology, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), evaluation, and organizational management. Projects must align with one of these goals and demonstrate how professional development activities will advance institutional capacity and address strategic challenges. IMLS expects to award approximately $4,299,000 in total funding for fiscal year 2025, supporting around 20 projects. Awards range from $5,000 to $250,000, with an average award size of $214,950. Applicants must provide at least a one-to-one cost share using non-federal funds, except for research-focused projects where matching funds are not required. The performance period for funded projects may span one to three years, starting no earlier than September 1, 2025. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by November 15, 2024, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Eligible applicants include museums located in the United States or its territories that meet IMLS’s criteria, such as employing professional staff, operating on a permanent basis for educational or cultural purposes, and regularly exhibiting objects to the public for at least 120 days annually. Museums operating within parent organizations, such as universities, must demonstrate operational independence, including a separate budget and decision-making authority. Collaborations and partnerships are encouraged to broaden project impact. The application requires a detailed narrative organized into three sections: project justification, work plan, and project results. Applicants must clearly identify the selected program goal and objective, describe the need or challenge addressed, outline specific activities, provide a timeline, and explain anticipated outcomes, including how the project will result in organizational growth or systemic change. Supporting documents such as a budget justification, performance measurement plan, resumes of key personnel, and letters of commitment from partners are also required. Applications are evaluated through a peer review process based on their alignment with program goals, the feasibility of the work plan, and the likelihood of achieving meaningful and sustainable results. Reviewers assess the clarity of the narrative, the qualifications of project personnel, and the proposed methods for tracking progress and measuring success. Projects are expected to foster long-term institutional improvements, with successful proposals demonstrating the ability to implement innovative and impactful professional development strategies. Awardees are required to comply with federal reporting requirements, including interim and final performance and financial reports submitted through IMLS’s electronic grants management system. Post-award responsibilities also include acknowledging IMLS funding in project materials and participating in assessments to evaluate program impact. IMLS program staff are available to provide technical assistance, and applicants are encouraged to participate in informational webinars to enhance proposal quality.

This grant provides funding to charitable organizations in a seven-county area of Texas for projects focused on medical issues, historic preservation, or musical performance and education.