Humanities Grants

The South Dakota State Historical Society is inviting applications for the Deadwood Fund Grant. This initiative aims to support significant restoration or rehabilitation projects for historic properties across the state. Managed by the State Historical Society's historic preservation office, the program offers grants ranging from $1,000 to $25,000. Applicants must match the grant amount with nonfederal and nonstate sources on a dollar-for-dollar basis, with nonprofits allowed to count in-kind services for up to half of their match requirement. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual Fall deadline: October 1st

With this solicitation, BJA seeks to fund organizations to serve as financial intermediaries to community-based reentry programs (subawardees) and to provide support, via an incubator model, to increase capability and capacity within the subawardees organizations. This program furthers the DOJs mission to uphold the rule of law, to keep our country safe, and to protect civil rights. With this solicitation, the Bureau of Justice Assistance seeks to fund organizations (awardees) to serve as financial intermediaries to community-based reentry programs (subawardees) and to provide support via an incubator model in order to increase capability and capacity within the subawardees’ organizations. For this solicitation, awardees are community-based organizations (CBOs) that are experienced at delivering reentry services, managing federal grants, administering subawards, and training others to do the same. Awardees will operate incubators—learning communities where subawardees can learn and grow—to help smaller CBOs enhance the delivery of reentry services and their operation management. Awardees will also have fiscal and administrative oversight of subawardees funding and projects. Subawardees are envisioned to be CBOs that are operating on a smaller scale and seeking to increase their organizational capacity and their capacity to deliver reentry services.

The Carpenter Foundation accepts grant applications exclusively from tax-exempt agencies and does not fund individuals. Grants are generally awarded for a single year, with considerations made primarily within Jackson and Josephine Counties, Oregon, although some statewide public interest initiatives may also be supported. The Foundation rarely supports multi-year projects, historical projects, hospital constructions, or religious activities. It focuses its funding on four primary areas: Human Services, Education, Arts, and Public Interest. Applicants must apply through the online portal and ensure all proposal documents and attachments meet specific requirements before submission. Additionally, interviews with the Program Review Committee are a critical part of the application process to discuss and clarify proposal details. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual deadlines: the last Friday of January, April, July, and October each year.

The Leonard and Renee Minsky Fund for Arts Education aims to enhance arts education by enabling professional artists to collaborate with teachers in developing arts programs for grades 3-5 in public schools within Penobscot and Washington counties. This grant supports projects that integrate visual and/or performing arts into the curriculum, aligning with Maine Learning Results standards. Eligible applicants include schools meeting these criteria, with a focus on collaborative proposals involving arts teachers. Applications are accepted via email and must adhere to specific budgetary requirements, primarily allocating funds to professional artists' fees. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadlines: September 15th to December 16th

The South Dakota State Historical Society is inviting applications for the Deadwood Fund Grant. This initiative aims to support significant restoration or rehabilitation projects for historic properties across the state. Managed by the State Historical Society's historic preservation office, the program offers grants ranging from $1,000 to $25,000. Applicants must match the grant amount with nonfederal and nonstate sources on a dollar-for-dollar basis, with nonprofits allowed to count in-kind services for up to half of their match requirement. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual Fall deadline: October 1st

Illinois Humanities' Multiplier Grants program supports project-based partnerships that foster broader community engagement, place-based community building, and coalition or network development within Illinois. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to strengthen the humanities throughout the state by championing collaboration and making valuable connections. The program emphasizes that buy-in from all partners is crucial before proposal submission, underscoring a strategic priority for collaborative efforts that amplify the impact of humanities work. The grants target nonprofit organizations, including those with a fiscal sponsor, that are based in Illinois and have projects rooted in the humanities. Priority is given to organizations with an annual budget of $1 million or less, ensuring support for smaller entities that may have limited access to funding. The primary beneficiaries are under-funded and under-served communities, as well as those whose histories and stories are often overlooked or forgotten. The program aims to empower these communities through humanities initiatives, fostering a more inclusive and representative understanding of Illinois's diverse heritage. The program's priorities and focuses include projects that impact under-funded, under-served communities and initiatives that tell stories of forgotten or uncovered history and themes. These preferences reflect Illinois Humanities' strategic priorities to address historical inequities and promote public access to humanities scholarship and programming. The foundation's theory of change likely centers on the belief that by supporting collaborative, community-driven humanities projects, they can foster stronger community bonds, enhance cultural understanding, and create a more equitable and engaged citizenry across Illinois. Expected outcomes include increased collaboration among nonprofits and humanities groups, greater community engagement with humanities topics, and the successful telling of diverse historical narratives. Measurable results could include the number of partnerships formed, the reach of the projects within targeted communities, and the creation of new humanities content or programs. The grants, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 (up to $10,000), provide vital financial support for these endeavors, enabling organizations to implement impactful projects that align with the foundation's vision for a vibrant and accessible humanities landscape in Illinois.

This grant provides $20,000 to U.S.-based sculptors to create and develop new sculptural works, emphasizing both artistic innovation and conceptual depth.

MERCER COUNTY HISTORY REGRANT PROGRAM FY25 GUIDELINES Introduction: The Mercer County History Regrant Program is a partnership initiative between the New Jersey Historical Commission and the County of Mercer. These funds are aimed at supporting historic sites, organizations, and history programs throughout Mercer County. The application process is now exclusively online through Foundant. Application Calendar: April 1, 2024: Application Open July 1, 2024: Application Deadline August 2024: Peer Panel Review September 2024: Commission Review, Administrative Review & Approval December 2024: Notification of Awards/Contracts Issued June 2025: Interim Report Update January 2026: Final Report Due Program Year: January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025 Eligibility: Eligible applicants include: Mercer County-based non-profit history organizations, societies, and sites Other Mercer County non-profit organizations offering history-related programs Mercer County-based community and educational entities, including libraries, universities, colleges, and schools Applicants must be incorporated in New Jersey, be in existence for at least two years, and be approved as a non-profit organization under the IRS's Section 501(c)(3) or Section 501(c)(4). Types of Grants: General Operating Support (GOS): Available to non-profit history organizations, providing funding for basic operating costs. Special Projects (SP): Available to non-profits and government units, supporting history events, programs, or projects related to NJ, Mercer County, or its municipalities. Match Requirements: GOS grants require a full cash match (1:1) from the applicant. SP grants require a 1:1 cash match, with 50% of the match allowed to be in the form of in-kind donations. Ineligible Expenses: Acquisitions, capital improvements, deficits, endowments, scholarships/prizes, restoration or preservation of structures, etc. Grant Payments & Reporting: Grants are distributed in two payments, with a brief update due by June 2025 and a final report due by January 2026. Final payments are made upon receipt of a satisfactory final report. Appeals Process: Organizations can appeal if their application was misinterpreted or misunderstood by the Review Panel. Appeals are reviewed by a 3-person panel of Commissioners. Notice: Grant awards are dependent on funding levels approved by the State for the New Jersey Historical Commission and County History Partnership Program. Organizations are advised to plan programming and expenditures carefully. For further details, please refer to the full guidelines available on Foundant or contact the Mercer County Division of Culture & Heritage. Grant renewed every year.

The Highland Lakes Service League is inviting applications for its Community Grants program, aimed at enhancing the Highland Lakes area through various focus areas including the promotion of animal welfare, cultivation of arts and culture, improvement in education, provision of basic human services, and promotion of recreation and public spaces. The grants program is open to 501(c)(3) organizations serving Burnet or Llano counties in Texas. Applications are accepted annually from June 15th to August 31st. The grant amounts are not specified. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/ closing deadlines: June 15th to August 31st

Special Projects grants are available for Mercer County-based nonprofits and government units that present special New Jersey/Mercer County (including local) history programs or events. These grants support specific history-related activities such as exhibitions, educational projects, and preservation efforts. A 1:1 match is required, but 50% of this match can be in-kind. The application deadline is July 1, 2024.

The Virginia250 grants, offered by Virginia Humanities, the Virginia Commission for the Arts, and Virginia Tourism, aim to support localities in developing arts experiences, events, programs, and content in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States. This initiative aligns with the broader mission of these organizations to promote cultural understanding, heritage, and tourism within Virginia. The grant program seeks to leverage the historical significance of the 250th commemoration as a backdrop for artistic expression and community engagement across the state. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are diverse, including non-profits established as 501(c)(3) organizations, 501(c)(3) institutions of higher education, other IRS-designated not-for-profit organizations, tribal nations recognized by Virginia and/or the U.S. federal government, and local committees and partners of local VA250 Committees. The program prioritizes inclusive participation, ensuring that tribal nations not recognized by the state or federal government can still apply through an eligible fiscal sponsor. This broad eligibility criteria reflects a strategic priority to engage a wide array of community stakeholders in the commemoration efforts. The primary focus of the grants is to fund projects that offer arts experiences, events, programs, and content directly tied to the 250th commemoration. Applicants can apply for up to $10,000, with a required 1:1 match, indicating an emphasis on shared investment and community partnership. The funding, managed as subawards through the University of Virginia and paid on a reimbursable basis, suggests a commitment to accountability and careful financial stewardship. The project period from August 1, 2024, to August 1, 2025, provides a clear timeline for implementation and impact. The expected outcomes include the successful development and execution of arts-focused commemorative activities across Virginia. Measurable results would likely encompass the number of arts projects funded, the number of localities engaged, the reach of these events (e.g., attendance figures), and the types of artistic content created. The underlying theory of change is that by supporting local arts initiatives tied to a significant historical event, the grants will foster a deeper appreciation for Virginia's heritage, stimulate cultural tourism, and strengthen community bonds through shared experiences. This approach aims to create lasting cultural and economic benefits throughout the state.

Missouri Humanities offers Mini Grants to support humanities based projects that serve audiences within Missouri. The organization promotes public engagement with history, literature, and cultural heritage through grants to eligible nonprofits and civic, educational, or cultural entities operating as nonprofits. Grants may fund honoraria and travel for speakers and scholars, supplies directly needed for funded activities, facility and equipment rental, publicity and communications, exhibit materials and design, acquisition of audiovisual equipment for interpretive exhibits, administrative expenses outside regular staff salaries, accessibility related costs, and printing. Projects must serve Missouri audiences and communities. Eligible applicants are nonprofit organizations and civic, educational, or cultural organizations operating as nonprofits, including schools and other educational institutions, local governments and agencies, and civic associations. Applicants must have principal offices in Missouri, possess a UEI number, and may apply individually or in partnership; individuals and for profit entities are not eligible. Preference is given to underserved communities and first time or infrequent applicants. Mini Grants fund up to 5,000 dollars. Applications are due May 1, 2024 via the foundation’s process. Additional information is available from Missouri Humanities.

The Cultural Facilities Grants are designed to support Vermont nonprofit organizations and municipalities in enhancing, creating, or expanding the capacity of existing buildings to offer cultural activities to the public. These activities broadly include artistic, creative, aesthetic, historic, or scholarly events such as performances, exhibits, readings, film screenings, workshops, and more. Eligible projects may involve improvements to wiring, heating, lighting, plumbing, accessibility features, stage enhancements, permanent display installations, environmental controls, hazard mitigation, and energy efficiency upgrades. The grant period is set from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025, and includes a mandatory match on a 1:1 basis with specific requirements for cash and in-kind contributions. Applications are encouraged from entities that own a facility in Vermont that has been in existence for at least ten years.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, schools, and government entities in the Black Mountain and Swannanoa Valley area to support innovative projects in health, education, culture, and human services.

Ball Brothers Foundation offers General Grants to support organizations operating within Indiana, with a strong focus on East Central Indiana and the Muncie/Delaware County area. These grants, ranging from $5,000 to $100,000, aim to fund capacity-building initiatives, innovative approaches for community needs, specific program/project initiatives, general operating support, and seed money for new endeavors. Grant renewed every year. Grant Round 2 Annual deadlines: September 1st (preliminary application July 15th)

Humanities North Dakota offers general grants ranging from $2,001 to $10,000 to support projects centered in the humanities. These projects must explore critical issues, involve humanities scholars, and be designed to attract and engage a public audience. Formats for these projects can vary widely and may include lectures, discussions, exhibits, interpretations of performances, living history presentations, book or film discussions, oral histories, radio, video, and film documentary productions, language preservation projects, and teacher seminars. The goal is to bring the humanities off campuses and into communities, promoting a deeper understanding of human values, cultures, and history. Close Date: Rolling based on project start dates: April 1 projects: March 1 July 1 projects: June 1 November 1 projects: October 1

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations addressing urgent community needs or innovative projects, with awards starting at $10,000 for initiatives that demonstrate strong potential for positive impact.

The New Mexico Potters and Clay Artists (NMPCA) offers an annual grant in memory of the late distinguished member Bill Armstrong, known for his dedication to teaching and experimenting with pottery. This grant aims to support ceramics education programs or ceramic art projects within New Mexico. Eligible uses for the grant funds include purchasing supplies or equipment, contracting visiting artists, marketing or publicizing special programs or projects, or other activities directly related to ceramic art education. Nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations and educational institutions in New Mexico are encouraged to apply by the deadline. : The maximum award amount has been increased from $1,000 to $2,000. Applicants must register online and signal their intent to apply prior to submitting a full proposal. Grant renewed every year.

The Ball Brothers Foundation provides Rapid Grants up to $5,000 for immediate funding needs of organizations within Indiana, particularly for those in East Central Indiana and the Muncie/Delaware County area. These grants are designed to support professional development, travel or equipment needs for new projects, or act as seed money for new initiatives. Rapid Grants are awarded from February 1 to November 30 annually, with notification within one to two weeks of submission. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/ closing deadlines: February 1st to November 30th

This funding opportunity provides up to $2,000 to support small-scale humanities projects, such as public discussions and local history initiatives, making cultural programming more accessible in communities.