Public Scholars
NEH grants support individuals writing well-researched, accessible nonfiction humanities books for a broad audience, bridging academic and public spheres.
Funder: National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)
Due Dates: August 6, 2025 (Current Closing Date)
Funding Amounts: Awards range from $30,000 to $60,000, typically supporting 6 to 12 months of work at up to $5,000 per month.
Summary: Grants support individual authors in researching and writing well-researched nonfiction humanities books aimed at a broad public audience.
Key Information: Open to individuals with or without academic affiliation; no advanced degree required; encourages projects on American history for the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding; part of NEH’s AI humanities initiative.
Description
The Public Scholars program, offered by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Division of Research Programs, provides grants to individual authors to support research, writing, travel, and other activities that lead to the creation and publication of well-researched nonfiction books in the humanities. These books are intended for a broad public audience, bridging the gap between academic scholarship and general readership.
The program encourages non-academic writers to deepen their engagement with the humanities by strengthening the research foundation of their books. It also encourages academic writers to communicate the significance of their research to a wider audience. Writers with or without academic affiliation may apply, and no advanced degree is required. NEH especially welcomes applications from independent writers, researchers, scholars, and journalists.
A special focus for the 2025-26 competition is projects that explore American history, culture, and government in honor of the 250th anniversary of America’s founding. Projects that promote understanding of American exceptionalism, constitutional democracy, and the nation’s heritage are especially encouraged.
This grant program is also part of NEH’s Humanities Perspectives on Artificial Intelligence initiative, which supports research on the ethical, legal, and societal implications of AI.
