State Humanities Grants

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs announces the 2024 Amy Young Barrier Removal (AYBR) Program, providing approximately $1,466,618.40, allocated through the Texas Housing Trust Fund. This program offers one-time grants of up to $22,500 for Persons with Disabilities in low-income households to fund home modifications that increase accessibility, eliminate life-threatening hazards, and correct substandard conditions. Grants cover project costs and administrative fees, and are accessible through a Reservation System Participation (RSP) Agreement. The program ensures funds are evenly distributed across all Texas regions with specific allocations for urban and rural subregions.

This program provides funding to Iowa cities, counties, and land use districts for local historic preservation projects, including National Register nominations and educational initiatives.

Arts Respond - Cultural District Project Eligibility: TCA Cultural Districts; VERIFIED College Arts Institution, Established Arts Organizations, Established Arts Organizations of Color, Government Local Arts Agencies, Local Arts Agencies, Rural Arts Providers located within a TCA Designated Cultural District Intent: Projects that use the arts to diversify local economies, generate revenue, and attract visitors and investment. This competitive grant program provides project assistance grants on a short-term basis and may include administrative costs directly related to the project. This program is designed for projects that focus on significant cultural tourism projects. These projects should serve at least one of the following: High quality arts programming that will attract a significant number of visitors from 50 miles or more outside the community (i.e., blockbuster art exhibitions, national or regional premieres, major festivals) Enhancements to the cultural district to make it more accessible, attractive, cohesive-looking, and safe for visitors Improved signage and wayfinding for the district Promotion of the district; this may include the district’s website, branding, and marketing Organizational support for the management and operations of the district (TCA Cultural District only) These grants may include capital improvements. Grant Type: Annual Application Limit: Organizations may submit one application per deadline. Minimum Request: $3,000 Maximum Request: 50% of project budget, not to exceed $250,000 Match Requirement: dollar for dollar (1:1) Application Deadline: June 15 for projects beginning September 1 through Aug. 31 Attachments Deadline: June15 Criteria: see Application Review Criteria Click here for ineligible requests Click here for attachments checklist

This grant provides financial support to New Jersey-based nonprofit organizations focused on history and humanities, helping them address specific operational challenges and enhance their stability through targeted projects.

This funding opportunity supports public humanities projects in Iowa that foster community engagement and educational programming about the human experience, available to individuals, nonprofits, local governments, and higher education institutions.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local workforce development boards and partner organizations in Pennsylvania to enhance collaboration among businesses and address workforce needs within priority industry sectors.

The Governor and the General Assembly direct the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to administer grants for specific miscellaneous purposes to bolster the state’s economy, promote a clean environment, and improve the overall quality of life throughout the state of Illinois. This grant program is available to any entity receiving funding via lump sum appropriation. Eligible costs for this program are bondable costs associated with the acquisition of land and/or buildings. This includes acquisition costs of all improved or unimproved real property including appraisal fees; title opinions; surveying fees; real estate fees; title transfer taxes; condemnation; and related legal expenses. This may include construction on, and/or renovation to, the property after purchase.

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 LGBTQIA+ National Grant, provided by Founders First Community Development Corporation, aims to empower eligible small businesses within the LGBTQIA+ community. This initiative directly aligns with Founders First's overarching mission to foster the growth of diverse founder-led businesses that generate over $1 million in annual revenues. By offering financial support and valuable resources, the program seeks to address the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs and contribute to their economic success and sustainability. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are LGBTQIA+ identifying business owners who serve as CEO, President, or Business Owner of an active, U.S.-based business. To be eligible, businesses must have an annual revenue not exceeding $5 million, employ between 2 to 100 individuals, and have been in operation for a minimum of one year. The impact goal is to make significant investments in 25 LGBTQIA+ led businesses across the United States, thereby facilitating their growth and increasing their capacity for job creation and community contribution. The program prioritizes businesses that meet the outlined eligibility criteria, focusing on those with a demonstrated need for capital and a clear potential for growth. Beyond the direct financial support of $25,000 grant packages, a key focus is providing access to resources. This includes connecting grant recipients with like-minded entrepreneurs through the Founders First family network, and offering exclusive access to webinars and other valuable educational resources designed to enhance business acumen and operational efficiency. The expected outcomes of the LGBTQIA+ National Grant include the direct financial empowerment of 25 small businesses within the LGBTQIA+ community. Measurable results will include the number of businesses receiving grants, their continued operation and growth, and their engagement with the provided resources. Founders First's strategic priorities are clearly centered on increasing the number of successful, diverse founder-led businesses, and this grant program serves as a critical component of their theory of change, which posits that targeted financial investment combined with robust support systems will lead to sustained economic impact and a more equitable entrepreneurial landscape.

The Teaching with Primary Sources (TPS) program is the Library of Congress's primary educational outreach initiative, designed to provide instructional materials, tools, education, and professional development to teachers. The program's core mission is to enhance educators' ability to integrate digitized primary sources from the Library of Congress into their instruction. This integration aims to build student literacy, critical thinking skills, content knowledge, and the ability to conduct original research. Since the establishment of the Center for Learning, Literacy and Engagement in 2018 and the release of the Library's strategic plans, the TPS goals have evolved to both influence and reflect the Library's broader outreach objectives, aligning closely with its vision of connecting to all Americans. The program primarily targets educators and, by extension, their students. Through its initiatives, TPS aims to reach a wide array of learners, including those representing specific professions, ethnicities, geographic locations, abilities, interests, and affiliations, particularly those identified as underserved by the program. The impact goals are centered on fostering deeper learning experiences, improving educational outcomes, and empowering both teachers and students with valuable research and analytical skills. TPS Consortium members are critical to achieving these goals, acting as "Connectors" who facilitate this extensive outreach and help the Library fulfill its mission of widespread public engagement. The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Continuing Awards (FY25-FY27) emphasizes several key priorities and focuses. It seeks project proposals from current TPS Consortium members to expand the use of existing teaching materials, tools, and strategies developed under previous awards. A significant focus is on disseminating these resources to meet the diverse needs of various recipient populations. Applicants are required to demonstrate how they will support current and new audiences by reviewing and revising existing TPS products, modifying them for enhanced value, and developing effective strategies and networks to facilitate outreach to targeted populations, especially those previously underserved. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an increased integration of Library of Congress primary sources into K-12 and higher education curricula, improved student engagement and learning outcomes in literacy and critical thinking, and expanded reach to diverse educational communities. Successful proposals are expected to demonstrate solutions that address specific educational needs of recipient populations, grounded in standard practice, documented experience, or research. The Library's strategic priorities, as reflected in its 2019-23 and 2024-2028 plans, and the TPS program's theory of change are centered on the belief that by equipping educators with high-quality, primary-source-based instructional materials and professional development, a more literate, critically thinking, and engaged populace will emerge, capable of conducting original research and connecting more deeply with historical and cultural resources.

Alaska State Council on the Arts, with support from Rasmuson Foundation, offers Access Grants of up to $1,000 to support short-term arts and cultural activities for grades K-12 at a school site during the school day. These grants aim to bring high-quality arts experiences to students and are part of the Cultural Collaborations program. Cultural Collaborations Grants The Cultural Collaborations and Arts Educator Fellowship Programs are made possible through support from the Rasmuson Foundation, administered by the Alaska State Council on the Arts. A school may apply for and receive an Arts Excursion grant, and a Project or Access Grant per school year. A school may also receive support for an Artists in Schools residency in the same school year, either as an individual school or through a district grant. For help in understanding the application process, assistance in how to develop an arts program in your school, or any other technical services please contact us with questions. Cultural Collaborations Project Grants Deadlines: June 1, for residency projects beginning no earlier than July 1; December 1 for residency projects starting no earlier than January 1. Cultural Collaborations Project Grants are matching awards of up to $6,000 in support of high-quality arts and cultural programs for youth that emphasize skill acquisition and direct participation in settings outside of the school day/year, in Alaska. Cultural Collaborations Project Grants are a program of the Alaska State Council on the Arts, with support from Rasmuson Foundation. Eligible projects/programs provide regularly scheduled sessions over an extended period of time. Nonprofit organizations, schools or school districts are eligible to apply. Partnerships in support of Cultural Collaborations Project Grants are encouraged. Contact Laura Forbes at (907) 269-6682 or [email protected] with questions and for technical assistance. Cultural Collaborations Excursion Grants Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis; deadlines are rolling, at least 30 days prior to the planned activity. Excursion Grants, bringing Kids to Arts, are awards of up to $600 ($1,000 for eligible Title I schools,) to support transportation and admission costs incurred in attending arts and cultural events, and/or visiting recognized arts and cultural venues in Alaska. Cultural Collaborations Excursions Grants are a program of the Alaska State Council on the Arts, with support from Rasmuson Foundation. Only public or nonprofit schools in Alaska may apply. A school may only receive one Excursion grant per school year, but may apply for multiple Excursion activities in one grant application. Contact Laura Forbes at (907) 269-6682 or [email protected] with questions and for technical assistance. Cultural Collaborations Excursion Grant Guidelines and Application Word format PDF format Cultural Collaborations Excursion Grant Final Report Form Word format PDF format Cultural Collaborations Access Grants Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis; deadlines are rolling, at least 30 days prior to the planned activity. Access Grants, bringing Arts to Kids, are awards of up to $1,000 to support high-quality, short term (generally, of a week or less) arts and cultural activities for grades K-12 at a school site, during the school day. Cultural Collaborations Excursions Grants are a program of the Alaska State Council on the Arts, with support from Rasmuson Foundation. Alaska 501(c)3 nonprofit arts organizations, private nonprofit schools, and public schools or school districts are eligible to apply. Contact Laura Forbes at (907) 269-6682 or [email protected] with questions and for technical assistance. Cultural Collaborations Access Grant Guidelines and Application Word format PDF format Cultural Collaborations Access Grant Final Report Form Word format PDF format Arts Educator Fellowships Deadline: March 15 Rasmuson Foundation initiated the Arts Educator Fellowships to encourage the reconnection of artists who are teachers to the practice of their art; Arts Educator Fellowship are a program of the Alaska State Council on the Arts (ASCA), supported by funding from Rasmuson Foundation. The Arts Educator Fellowship program provides grants to certified, permanently-assigned, full and part-time K-12 teachers to immerse themselves in their own creative work, interact with professional artists, and stay current with new artistic practice. The Arts Educator Fellowship is meant to create opportunities for Alaska teachers to fill their own artistic wells. Eligible applicants may apply for up to $3,000 in support of Arts Educator Fellowship (AEF) activities, based on actual expenses.

This funding opportunity supports cultural projects, programs, or exhibitions in Florida, aimed at individuals and organizations that align with the state's cultural objectives.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is offering a grant of over $1 million, with a total funding of $10,000,000, to educational and non-profit organizations in Urbana, Illinois, to promote bioprocessing through infrastructure and capital equipment expansion, increased training opportunities, and short course offerings, with the project having been partially funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Tech Hubs program.

This grant provides funding to Maine-based organizations and communities for projects that celebrate and educate about the state's historical contributions in honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

The State-funded Historic Preservation Grant Program, managed by the Division for Historic Preservation, provides financial assistance to municipalities and non-profit organizations in Vermont for the rehabilitation of historic buildings located in downtowns, villages, and rural communities. The program offers competitive 50/50 matching grants of up to $20,000 for the repair and restoration of historic features in buildings such as town halls, museums, theaters, libraries, and recreation centers. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations and municipalities that own properties in Vermont that are at least 50 years old and listed or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. The grants are reimbursement-based, requiring recipients to cover the full project costs upfront, with the State reimbursing them upon project completion and submission of required paperwork. Annually, the program has $200,000 in grant funds available, subject to legislative approval. The next grant cycle will be announced in August 2024, with applications due in October 2024. For notifications and further details, contact Caitlin Corkins, Tax Credits & Grants Coordinator, at 802-828-3047 or [email protected].

The Certified Local Government (CLG) grant program, administered by the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs (National Park Service), aims to support historic preservation projects within Iowa. This program is specifically designed for Iowa cities, counties, and land use districts that have established a CLG Agreement with both the State of Iowa and the National Park Service. The overarching mission of the program aligns with the preservation of historical assets and cultural heritage, a key focus for both the state and national park service initiatives. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are Certified Local Governments in Iowa that are in good standing and up-to-date with their annual reports. These entities are typically responsible for managing and protecting historic properties and districts within their jurisdictions. The impact goal is to facilitate the successful execution of historic preservation projects, ensuring the longevity and integrity of Iowa's historical sites and structures. By providing financial support, the program helps communities maintain their historical identity and contributes to broader cultural heritage preservation efforts. The program's priorities and focuses are centered on supporting historic preservation activities. While specific project types are not detailed, the general scope indicates a commitment to projects that align with the principles of historic preservation as defined by the CLG agreement. This includes, but is not limited to, the restoration, rehabilitation, and maintenance of historic buildings, sites, and landscapes. The emphasis is on enabling local governments to address their unique preservation needs and challenges effectively. Expected outcomes and measurable results include the successful completion of historic preservation projects across Iowa. The program anticipates an increase in the number of preserved historic sites, improved conditions of existing historic properties, and enhanced capacity within CLGs to manage their preservation responsibilities. The timely submission of draft and final applications by the specified deadlines (August 9, 2024, and September 3, 2024, respectively) are also key metrics of engagement and adherence to program guidelines.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for the construction, renovation, or enhancement of arts facilities in Alabama, benefiting local arts organizations and communities.

This program provides financial support for a variety of arts-related projects in Iowa, targeting organizations and initiatives that promote regional and statewide arts events or align with strategic arts goals.

CDP Production grants are available for documentary media productions that focus on California subjects and issues, using the humanities to provide context and perspective. Projects may include film, audio, digital media, web-based and broadcast series, podcasts, interactive, VR, and multiplatform projects. There is no specific length requirement for projects. Projects must approach the subject matter from a humanities perspective and involve at least two Humanities Advisors. Eligible applicants may request funding up to $50,000 with a required 1:1 match of cash or in-kind contributions from non-federal sources. The maximum term for a CDP Production grant is three years after the start of the grant period. Applicants must be non-profit organizations or individuals being fiscally sponsored by a tax-exempt organization or municipal/state agency with federal 501(c)(3) status. Fiscal sponsorship does not need to be confirmed by the application deadline but should be confirmed within 30 days after the application due date if awarded. Grant funds are disbursed in three installments: 50% upon approval of signed award documents; 40% upon approval of an interim report; and the final 10% upon project completion and approval of a final report. Applications for CDP Production Grants are submitted online through the California Humanities’ website by November 1, 2023. Applicants will be notified of receipt of their proposals by email. Notification of grant decisions will be sent by email to both the Authorizing Official at the applicant organization and Project Director by April 1, 2024. For more information about eligibility, grant guidelines and requirements, or the CDP grant program in general contact Director of Media & Journalism Programs John Lightfoot at [email protected]. For questions about the online application process and reporting contact Grants Manager Brett Connor at [email protected].

This funding opportunity is designed to help libraries in Ohio create innovative projects that address specific community needs while aligning with the State Library's strategic goals.