[National Endowment for the Humanities](https://www.neh.gov)

June 25, 2026

Up to $75,000 (Development, film only) | Up to $700,000 (Production, documentary film) | Up to $350,000 (Production, radio/podcast); ~15 awards; total program funding ~$6 million

Supports development, production, and distribution of radio programs, podcasts, and documentary films that engage general audiences with humanities ideas.

--- ## Description This grant program supports the creation and dissemination of media projects—specifically radio programs, podcasts, and documentary films—that engage broad public audiences with significant humanities topics. Projects must be grounded in sound humanities scholarship, present multiple perspectives, and aim for national or regional reach. The program funds both early-stage development (for films only) and production/distribution for all eligible media types. Projects may include supplementary components such as discussion programs or websites, but the primary focus must be on media that creatively and analytically communicates humanities content to the public. All proposals should demonstrate the involvement of humanities scholars and media professionals, and must show potential for wide public engagement. --- ## Due Dates - June 25, 2026: Full application deadline (11:59 p.m. Eastern Time) --- ## Funding Amount - **Development awards (film projects only):** Up to $75,000 for 6–12 months - **Production awards:** - Documentary film: Up to $700,000 for 1–3 years - Radio programs/podcasts: Up to $350,000 for 1–3 years - **Estimated number of awards:** ~15 - **Total program funding:** Approximately $6,000,000 - **Cost sharing/match:** Not required --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status (excluding for-profit and foreign organizations) - Accredited public or nonprofit institutions of higher education - State and local governments and their agencies - Federally recognized Native American Tribal governments **Individuals and for-profit/foreign entities are not eligible.** The lead applicant must be based in the U.S. and must make substantive contributions to the project (not solely act as a fiscal agent). --- ## Application Process 1. **Preparation** - Review the [Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)](https://www.neh.gov/program/media-projects) and the [General Application Guide](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/NEH-General-Application-Guide.pdf). - Register with [SAM.gov](https://sam.gov) and [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov) (allow several weeks for registration). 2. **Application Components** - Narrative (15-page limit), work plan, script/treatment, work sample, bibliography, biographies/letters of commitment, and other required forms/attachments as specified in the NOFO. - If applicable, include digital component design, subrecipient budgets, and indirect cost rate agreement. - Adhere strictly to formatting and page limits—noncompliance leads to rejection. 3. **Submission** - All applications must be submitted via [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361558) by the deadline. - Only complete, validated applications submitted before the deadline will be considered. - Notification of award decisions will begin in December 2026. --- ## Additional Information - **Funding Restrictions:** No support for fictional projects, projects under 40 minutes (film), completed productions, student projects, general operations, or activities outside the humanities. See the NOFO for detailed restrictions. - **Period of Performance:** For Development, 6–12 months; for Production, 1–3 years. Projects must start between March 1, 2027, and September 1, 2027. - **Review Criteria:** Humanities significance, creative approach, qualifications of team, quality of previous work, feasibility, and audience reach/distribution plan. - **Reporting:** Annual and final reports required; program income must be reported for seven years post-award. --- ## External Links - [Media Projects Program Page (NEH)](https://www.neh.gov/program/media-projects) - [Notice of Funding Opportunity (2026, PDF)](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/Media-Projects-2026-NOFO.pdf) - [General Application Guide (PDF)](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/NEH-General-Application-Guide.pdf) - [Grants.gov Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361558) - [Sample Funded Projects](https://www.neh.gov/program/media-projects#funded) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | Email/Phone | |--------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------|--------------------------------------| | Program questions | Division of Lifelong Learning, NEH | [learning@neh.gov](mailto:learning@neh.gov) | | Administrative/allowable cost questions | Office of Grant Management, NEH | [grantmanagement@neh.gov](mailto:grantmanagement@neh.gov) / 202-606-8494 | | General NEH information | NEH Main Office | [info@neh.gov](mailto:info@neh.gov) / (202)-606-8400 | Address: National Endowment for the Humanities 400 Seventh Street, SW Washington, DC 20506 For relay services (deaf/hard of hearing): 7-1-1 ---

Media Projects

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