Endowments for Advancing the Humanities

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), a federal agency dedicated to supporting research, education, preservation, and public programs in the humanities, is offering a significant funding opportunity through its "Endowments for Advancing the Humanities" program. This program reflects NEH’s ongoing commitment to sustaining and enhancing the role of the humanities within American educational institutions. It specifically seeks to support the creation of 20-year term endowments that will build institutional capacity in teaching and research focused on Western civilization, American history and government, and civics. These endowments are intended to serve as long-term investments in the intellectual infrastructure of eligible institutions, reinforcing their mission and ability to deliver impactful humanities programs over time. The grant targets colleges, universities, and independent educational institutions, enabling them to expand and institutionalize efforts that advance the study and understanding of core themes within the humanities. Successful applicants will be able to use the endowment income to fund ongoing teaching and research activities aligned with the program's thematic priorities. The funding supports efforts such as faculty development, course creation, curriculum enhancement, scholarly research, and public humanities programming—provided these efforts contribute to the broader goal of strengthening civic knowledge and democratic understanding. A distinctive feature of this opportunity is its requirement for cost-sharing or matching funds, indicating NEH's emphasis on long-term institutional commitment and sustainability. Applicants are expected to raise a matching amount, typically through private fundraising, which will be used to supplement the federal endowment and maximize its lasting impact. The cost-sharing component also reflects NEH’s strategy of fostering public-private partnerships in the advancement of humanities education. Eligibility for this grant is inclusive of a range of public and private educational institutions and government entities. Specifically, applicants may include federally recognized Native American tribal governments, state and local governments (including cities, counties, and special districts), public and private institutions of higher education, and nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, provided they are not primarily religious institutions. This broad eligibility underscores NEH's recognition of diverse institutions contributing to humanities education across the United States. Applications are submitted through Grants.gov, with a firm deadline of February 10, 2026. There is no indication of pre-application requirements such as letters of intent or concept papers. The estimated total funding available for this round is $10 million, with individual awards ranging between $1 million and $5 million. NEH anticipates making approximately five awards. The evaluation process will prioritize the proposed project’s alignment with NEH priorities, its potential for long-term institutional impact, and the applicant’s plan for matching funds and sustaining the endowment over the full 20-year period. For applicants needing assistance or clarification, the NEH’s Division of Collections and Infrastructure serves as the main point of contact. Questions may be directed to collections@neh.gov or by calling 202-606-8570. Additional information, including program guidelines, is available on the NEH website under the Division of Collections and Infrastructure. This grant program represents a strategic investment by the federal government in reinforcing the nation’s commitment to civic education and humanities scholarship.