Public Humanities Projects

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Description

The Public Humanities Projects program by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) funds projects that bring the ideas and insights of the humanities to life for broad and diverse public audiences. These projects use humanities scholarship to analyze significant themes in disciplines such as history, literature, ethics, and art history. The program supports public programming delivered in-person, hybrid, or virtual formats, aiming to engage general audiences in non-classroom settings across the United States.

Projects may be international, national, regional, or local in focus and should be accessible and appealing to the general public. The program welcomes projects tailored to specific groups such as families, youth (including K-12 students in informal settings), underserved communities, and veterans.

The program supports three main categories of projects:

• Exhibitions (including museum exhibitions, possibly with complementary digital components like websites or apps)
• Historic Places (interpretive planning and implementation)
• Humanities Discussions (discussion series and public dialogues)

Funding is available at two levels:

• Planning grants: Up to $60,000 for up to 24 months to develop project plans.
• Implementation grants: Up to $400,000 for 12 to 48 months to carry out projects, with an optional additional $100,000 for Positions in the Public Humanities.

There are also Chair’s Special Awards up to $1,000,000 for exceptional projects.

Small and mid-sized organizations are encouraged to apply if their projects address topics of regional or national relevance. Projects that focus on narrower local issues may consider other NEH programs or state humanities councils.

Applicants should be aware of updated federal regulations (2 CFR Part 200) effective October 1, 2024, which apply to NEH awards issued on or after that date.

Due Dates

• Estimated Application Due Date: August 13, 2025

Funding Amount

• Planning grants: Up to $60,000 (up to 24 months)
• Implementation grants: Up to $400,000 (12 to 48 months)
• Optional additional $100,000 for Positions in the Public Humanities (with Implementation grants)
• Chair’s Special Awards: Up to $1,000,000

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include:

• Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
• State governments
• County governments
• City or township governments
• Special district governments
• Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
• Private institutions of higher education
• Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education)

Application Process

• Register for a SAM.gov number and Grants.gov account (both required).
• Review the Notice of Funding Opportunity carefully to understand program expectations and restrictions.
• Prepare application materials according to the guidelines.
• Submit the application package via Grants.gov.
• Applicants will receive confirmation emails at various stages of the submission process.

Additional Information

• Projects should engage humanities scholarship to analyze significant themes and be designed to reach broad and diverse audiences.
• Complementary components (e.g., websites, mobile apps) are encouraged.
• Small and mid-sized organizations are encouraged to apply for projects with regional or national relevance.
• Updated federal grant regulations (2 CFR Part 200) apply to awards issued on or after October 1, 2024.
• Award amounts reflect project scope and audience size.

External Links

• Public Humanities Projects | NEH Grant Funding
• Notice of Funding Opportunity (PDF)
• Grants.gov Application Package
• Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
• Register with Grants.gov
• Grants.gov Applicant Registration Guidance
• 2024 Revisions to 2 CFR 200

Contact Information