Private Humanities Grants

This funding opportunity provides up to $10,000 for nonprofit organizations and educational institutions to document and preserve cultural heritage through oral history projects.

The Humanities Montana’s Community Project Grants support public humanities programming throughout Montana. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to strengthen community and culture by promoting civic engagement, sparking thoughtful community dialogue, and reflecting on the human experience across the state. These grants are designed to foster bold and innovative projects that are meaningful to local communities and inspire timely community conversations. The primary target beneficiaries are the general public across Montana, with a particular emphasis on engaging diverse communities and cultures. The impact goals include deepening public understanding of significant humanities questions, building on sound humanities scholarship, and fostering analytical approaches that present a variety of perspectives. The program aims to strengthen cultural understanding and civic participation through accessible and appealing formats. The program prioritizes projects focused on clearly defined humanities themes. Funding is available for a wide array of formats, including storytelling, historical analysis, public writing workshops, literacy programs, ethical inquiry, interpretation at historic sites, book festivals, exhibits, lectures, speaker series, panel discussions, teacher institutes & workshops, humanities program planning, reading & discussion programs, and various humanities events. All projects must involve humanities scholars (academic, professional, or subject-expert) in all aspects and require at least one confirmed subject-expert. Expected outcomes include increased public engagement with humanities topics, enhanced community dialogue, and a deeper reflection on the human experience. Measurable results will likely be demonstrated through the reach and participation in the programs, the quality of humanities scholarship integrated, and the active involvement of communities and cultures represented in project content. For projects involving Native American communities, letters of support from participating scholars, researchers, and/or program participants are required, outlining their involvement. The maximum award for these grants ranges from $2,000 to $10,000.

This funding opportunity supports projects that improve the quality of life in Greenwood County through initiatives in arts, community development, parks, recreation, and animal welfare.

The Sid W. Richardson Foundation provides grants to support the missions of non-profit organizations serving the people of Texas, with a focus on educational, health, human service, and cultural programs and projects. Established in 1947 by Sid W. Richardson, the Foundation began distributing major grants in 1962, following the availability of substantial income from assets from Richardson's estate. Despite Richardson's global interests, his primary concern remained with the people of his home state of Texas. The Foundation, through its Board of Directors and staff, continues to fulfill his vision by prioritizing grants that directly benefit clients or target audiences, particularly in smaller communities and rural areas. Grants are not available to individuals but are made primarily to organizations within Texas, especially those in the Fort Worth area for human services and cultural organizations. Grant renewed every year. Annual Fall deadline: September 15th.

The Scherman Foundation's Core Fund for Strengthening New York Communities focuses on challenging inequities and improving the conditions of New York City communities in need. The grant program supports housing justice, equitable economic development, gender equity, worker rights, immigrant community challenges, sustainable development, and police and carceral system reform. It also provides support for policy reform organizations collaborating with neighborhood-based groups. The Foundation prioritizes general operating support for smaller neighborhood groups and offers project-specific support for larger and policy-focused organizations or collaborative campaigns.

The Idaho Women’s Charitable Foundation (IWCF) invites applications for its 2024–2025 Grants Cycle to support projects that address critical needs in Southwestern Idaho. Eligible organizations include nonprofit 501(c)(3) entities, educational institutions, government agencies, and tax-exempt religious organizations serving the counties of Ada, Adams, Boise, Camas, Canyon, Elmore, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, Valley, and Washington. Proposals should present creative solutions to community challenges, with plans for sustainability beyond IWCF funding. Funds may be distributed over one or two years but are expected to be used within the year they are received. For this cycle, IWCF will consider proposals in six interest areas. These include Cultural Arts, supporting visual and performing arts and humanities for underserved populations; Education, targeting learning opportunities for all ages, such as early childhood programs and literacy initiatives; Environment, focusing on conservation, reclamation, and environmental education; Financial Stability, addressing poverty, homelessness, and job training; Health, which includes health care, substance abuse, and wellness programs; and Rural Communities, assisting towns with populations under 30,000 or rural-focused programs provided by urban-based organizations. Applicants must select one area when applying. Funding requests may range from $20,000 to $30,000. IWCF will not fund organizations with annual revenues under $50,000, general operating costs unrelated to the specific grant request, ongoing program costs not tied to expansions or new initiatives, or activities such as lobbying, scholarships, or endowment contributions. Applications currently receiving IWCF funding must wait 12 months after submitting their End-of-Grant report to apply again. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. The grant timeline begins with the application opening on October 2, 2024, followed by a Virtual Nonprofit Education and Q&A Session on November 4, 2024. Applications are due by January 7, 2025. The grants committee will review applications and conduct site visits between January and March 2025. Organizations will be notified of funding decisions in April, with grants awarded in May 2025. Applicants are encouraged to prepare proposals carefully, aligning them with IWCF’s funding priorities and demonstrating measurable outcomes and clear sustainability plans. For more details, organizations can participate in the virtual Q&A session and access additional resources provided by IWCF.

This grant provides funding for DC-based individuals, community groups, and nonprofit organizations to create innovative public programs that showcase existing oral history collections and engage the local community.

Nissan Neighbors is a community-focused initiative that provides charitable contributions and in-kind donations to nonprofit organizations working in the areas of education, the environment, and humanitarian aid. The program aims to improve communities by valuing cultural diversity and has been awarding hundreds of thousands of dollars annually since its establishment in 1992. Nissan Foundation Criteria To be considered for funding by Nissan Foundation, organizations must meet the following requirements: Have 501(c)(3) nonprofit status Have been in existence for more than three years Reflect the mission of Nissan Foundation to build community by valuing cultural diversity Demonstrate intentional design of programming grounded in the importance and benefits of cultural diversity Specify community need(s) addressed and intended outcomes of programming Demonstrate experience with populations served Serve communities where Nissan has a significant operational presence, namely: Southern California Middle Tennessee Central Mississippi Dallas/Ft. Worth Detroit New York City and North Central New Jersey Atlanta

The John W. Speas & Effie E. Speas Memorial Trust is dedicated to supporting and promoting high-quality programming in education, culture, human services, and healthcare. This grant program aligns with the foundation's mission to address critical community needs within the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan area. By funding organizations focused on these key areas, the Trust aims to foster a stronger, more vibrant, and healthier community. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are residents of the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan area. The Trust seeks to impact these individuals through improved access to educational resources, enriched cultural experiences, enhanced human services, and better healthcare programming. The ultimate goal is to create a positive and lasting change in the lives of those served by the funded organizations. The Trust prioritizes organizations that demonstrate a commitment to various program types, including Arts, Culture, & Humanities; Community Improvement & Capacity Building; Education; Health; and Human Services. These focus areas reflect the foundation's strategic priorities to support a holistic approach to community well-being. The selection criteria emphasize serving the residents of the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan area, ensuring that funding directly benefits the local community. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the Trust's focus on "quality educational, cultural, human services and health care programming" implies a desire for demonstrable improvements in these sectors. Successful applicants would likely be expected to articulate clear objectives, such as increased participation in educational programs, improved health outcomes, or enhanced access to vital human services. The foundation's theory of change appears to be rooted in the belief that by investing in established and impactful community organizations, significant progress can be made in addressing social challenges and improving the overall quality of life for residents. For further information regarding the application process, specific outcome expectations, or the foundation's strategic priorities, interested parties are encouraged to visit Bank of America, as indicated in the grant details. This external reference suggests that additional resources are available to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the Trust's long-term vision and the specific metrics it uses to evaluate the success of its grant recipients.

The Cultural Facilities Grants are designed to support Vermont nonprofit organizations and municipalities in enhancing, creating, or expanding the capacity of existing buildings to offer cultural activities to the public. These activities broadly include artistic, creative, aesthetic, historic, or scholarly events such as performances, exhibits, readings, film screenings, workshops, and more. Eligible projects may involve improvements to wiring, heating, lighting, plumbing, accessibility features, stage enhancements, permanent display installations, environmental controls, hazard mitigation, and energy efficiency upgrades. The grant period is set from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025, and includes a mandatory match on a 1:1 basis with specific requirements for cash and in-kind contributions. Applications are encouraged from entities that own a facility in Vermont that has been in existence for at least ten years.

Founded in 1958 by Herman and Mary Wegener, the Wegener Foundation is a private entity focused on enhancing the quality of living and educational opportunities in the Oklahoma City metro and surrounding areas. The Foundation prioritizes initiatives that support youth and families, health and wellness, arts and humanities, and education, aiming to improve the quality of life for Central Oklahoma's citizens. It seeks to support sustainable charitable organizations with mission statements that boost living conditions for people across all levels of abilities. The Foundation values long-term partnerships with recipients that consistently meet the expanding needs of their communities.

The Community Foundation's Community Opportunity Grant Program aims to enhance the quality of life across Grand Forks, Walsh, or Polk County by supporting programs, projects, and activities in areas such as Community & Human Services, Environmental Sustainability, and Human Rights. The program is designed to conserve natural resources, promote human services, and encourage understanding and respect for human rights through various means, including education and conflict resolution. A preference is given to new projects or programs and/or new grant applicants. The grants are available to nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public entities like libraries and schools, or units of government that meet the eligibility criteria.

Florida Humanities’ Community Project Grants are designed to support public humanities programming throughout Florida. These grants align with the foundation's mission to preserve, promote, and share Florida's history, literature, culture, and personal stories, thereby offering Floridians a deeper understanding of themselves, their communities, and their state. The program seeks to strengthen vibrant communities and cultures, promote civic engagement, spark thoughtful community dialogue, and encourage reflection on the human experience. The target beneficiaries for these grants are nonprofit cultural organizations across Florida, as well as Florida-based nonprofits and public agencies, including libraries, museums, schools, and tribal governments. Higher education departments within Florida colleges and universities are also eligible. The primary impact goal is to increase public participation in and access to the humanities by providing relevant, engaging, and meaningful humanities-based programming to all Floridians, including broad general public audiences and new or underserved communities. The program prioritizes projects that are deeply rooted in the humanities and humanities scholarship, involving humanities scholars, community experts, or subject area experts in both development and delivery. Key focuses include programming that fosters connections between different communities or demographic groups, promotes networking and collaboration between institutions, and links humanities-associated organizations with other community partners. All supported projects must be free or not cost-prohibitive for the public to attend. Special consideration is given to small to mid-sized organizations with budgets under $1 million and applicants located in Rural Areas of Opportunity. Expected outcomes and measurable results include increased public engagement with humanities content, enhanced community dialogue, and strengthened cultural understanding. The grants aim to generate various forms of public humanities programming such as media projects (podcasts, film, radio), community conversations, interpretive exhibits, lectures, reading/film-and-discussion programs, cultural festivals, oral history projects, and interpretive tours. These activities collectively contribute to the foundation's strategic priorities by fostering a more informed and engaged citizenry that appreciates Florida's diverse heritage. The foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in accessible, high-quality humanities programming, they can cultivate a more reflective, connected, and civically engaged populace. By empowering local organizations and experts to deliver these experiences, Florida Humanities believes it can achieve widespread impact, ensuring that the rich tapestry of Florida's human experience is preserved and shared for future generations, ultimately contributing to stronger, more vibrant communities across the state.

The Louisiana Project Grants (LPG) program, funded by The Louisiana Division of the Arts (LDOA) and administered by The Acadiana Center for the Arts for Region 4, aims to cultivate innovative arts projects with lasting impact. Replacing the Decentralized Arts Funding (DAF) program that began in 1995, LPG supports arts projects that address local needs and provide artistic value within communities. The program offers funding for a wide variety of arts initiatives that meet specific community requirements. Applications for the FY25 cycle open on May 1, 2024, and must be submitted online by June 28, 2024. Eligible applicants include nonprofit arts organizations, nonprofit organizations, public and private schools, local government agencies, and colleges and universities within Acadiana’s Region 4. The funding period spans from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, with grant amounts ranging from $2,500 to $7,500.

This funding opportunity is designed to support K-12 schools, colleges, universities, and local governments in Michigan in enhancing educational programs about Native American history and culture, revising offensive mascots, and promoting mutual respect.

This program provides free marketing support to nonprofit organizations based in Greenville, SC, helping them improve their branding and messaging to better serve the local community.

This funding opportunity supports Wisconsin-based nonprofit organizations in creating innovative public humanities projects that promote civic engagement, empathy, and community connection.

The C. J. Stafford and Dot Stafford Memorial Trust supports charitable organizations that serve residents of San Diego County, California. The trust invests in local initiatives that strengthen community well being and address needs across several fields of interest. Priority program areas include arts and culture, education, health, and human services. Average grants range from 5,000 to 7,500 dollars, with total annual giving of about 50,000 dollars. Funds may be used for projects or programs that benefit San Diego County residents and are consistent with the trust mission. Eligible applicants must be public charities qualified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applications are accepted only through the online grant application form or accessible alternative; no other formats are accepted. Grants are geographically limited to San Diego County, California. Applications are due May 1, 2024. Grant duration is not specified. Additional information is available through the trustee portal referenced by Wells Fargo.

This grant provides funding to charitable organizations, schools, and government units in Muscatine and Louisa Counties to promote racial justice, equity, and inclusion for marginalized communities.

The Bowsher-Booher Foundation is dedicated to supporting charitable, scientific, literary, and educational initiatives within St. Joseph County, Indiana. Its core mission is particularly focused on early childhood education, aligning its grant-making efforts with the critical development phase of young children. The foundation provides grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, with an average grant size between $5,000 and $10,000. Annually, the foundation disburses an average of $80,000, underscoring its commitment to consistent support within its target region. The target beneficiaries for the Bowsher-Booher Foundation's grants are primarily organizations that serve the community in St. Joseph County, Indiana, with a special emphasis on those dedicated to early childhood education. While the program areas include education, health, and human services, the foundation's practice is to predominantly support early childhood education initiatives. The impact goal is to foster positive change and development in these areas, particularly by enhancing educational opportunities for young children in the region. The foundation's priorities and focuses are clearly centered on early childhood education. While it considers broader charitable, scientific, literary, and educational efforts, its funding decisions consistently reflect a preference for organizations that directly support the educational development of young children. This strategic focus aims to create a strong foundation for learning and future success for the youngest members of the community in St. Joseph County. Expected outcomes include improved access to quality early childhood education, enhanced educational resources, and strengthened community programs that support children's development. Measurable results could involve increased enrollment in early learning programs, improved literacy rates among young children, and better health and well-being outcomes for beneficiaries of human services and health programs supported by the foundation. The Bowsher-Booher Foundation's strategic priorities are to channel resources effectively to local organizations making a tangible difference in St. Joseph County, with a clear theory of change that investing in early childhood education yields long-term benefits for individuals and the community. By supporting eligible 501(c)(3) organizations, the foundation seeks to empower local non-profits to implement impactful programs that align with its mission and address the specific needs of South Bend, Indiana, and the broader St. Joseph County area.