Private Humanities Grants

The South Carolina Arts Commission is offering the ArtsNOW Schools Advancement Grants of $10,000 to $100,000 over three years to ArtsNOW Partner Schools in South Carolina, to support arts integration, professional learning, curriculum mapping, and planning through innovative practices.

The Cameron Charitable Trust offers grants primarily to charitable organizations in North Carolina, focusing on supporting indigent or sick persons. The trust's mission is directly aligned with alleviating hardship and promoting well-being among vulnerable populations in the state. Through its grantmaking, the foundation aims to empower organizations that deliver essential health and human services, thereby contributing to a healthier and more supportive community for those most in need. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are organizations that serve the poor, needy, ill, and infirm. The Trust seeks to support initiatives that make a tangible difference in the lives of these individuals, with an implicit impact goal of improving access to care, essential services, and overall quality of life for the target population. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed, the emphasis on making a "real difference" suggests an expectation of significant, positive change for the beneficiaries. The Trust's grantmaking priorities are clear: preference is given to charities with a proven track record of fiscal responsibility, characterized by wise and efficient use of funds and minimal overhead. This strategic focus ensures that grants have maximum impact and are not diluted by excessive administrative costs. Situations where a grant can genuinely transform circumstances are particularly favored, indicating a desire for catalytic funding rather than simply maintaining existing services. While a formal "theory of change" is not articulated, the Trust's strategic priorities imply a belief that by supporting efficient, impactful charities focused on the indigent and sick, they can directly contribute to improved health outcomes and human services in North Carolina. The average grant size of $125,000 to $175,000 and average total annual giving of $850,000 suggest a commitment to substantial funding that can enable significant program delivery and sustainable operations for recipient organizations. Eligibility requires organizations to be classified as exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, further ensuring their charitable status and accountability.

The Creative Howard grant program is offered by the Howard County Arts Council (HCAC) to support small nonprofit arts organizations and arts businesses in Howard County, Maryland. The program aims to strengthen the vitality of the arts community and provide funding for eligible activities. Grants of up to $2,500 are available, and there is no matching fund requirement. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit arts organizations or arts businesses located and operating in Howard County for at least one year with an operating revenue of $100,000 or less. The program supports a wide range of arts activities, including dance, design, folk and traditional arts, history exhibits, literature, media arts, music, theater, visual arts, and workshops. Applications can be submitted on a rolling basis with a deadline of the first day of each month at 11:59 PM. The grant period for FY24 is from September 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. Applicants may receive funding for only one application per fiscal year. The application process must be completed online using the Submittable platform. A final report is required within 15 business days after the funded project occurs.

This funding opportunity supports local nonprofit organizations, schools, and government entities in Culpeper, Madison, and Orange counties to implement health and wellness initiatives that benefit the community.

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

The Opportunity Grants by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, offering up to $10,000 for a 12-month period, are designed to stimulate and support new or existing programs, projects, or capital investments of nonprofit organizations serving Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper Counties in South Carolina, excluding general operating support, religious, political activities, and scholarships among others.

The Landmarks Illinois Banterra Bank Preserve Southern Illinois Grant Program is designed to support the preservation of historic properties for economic development purposes. This grant program, funded by Landmarks Illinois, aligns with the foundation's mission to protect and preserve valuable historic structures, particularly those facing significant threats. By focusing on commercial properties, the program aims to stimulate economic growth within Southern Illinois while ensuring the longevity of its architectural heritage. The primary beneficiaries of this program are owners of significant structures located near commercial corridors in the DCEO Southern Region of Illinois. Eligible applicants include commercial property owners, nonprofits, and governmental bodies who have legal control over the structure or site and possess the capacity to manage grant funds effectively. The impact goal is to empower these beneficiaries to undertake critical preservation work, contributing to both the cultural richness and economic vitality of their communities. The program prioritizes projects that benefit identified Eligible Structures and address critical preservation issues, with a strong emphasis on properties listed on the Most Endangered Historic Places list. The focus is specifically on preserving commercial properties to foster economic development. All preservation work funded through the program must adhere to the Secretary of Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, ensuring high-quality, historically sensitive interventions. Services covered by the grant include various stages of preservation, from studies and assessments to stabilization, rehabilitation, surveys, and nominations. Expected outcomes include the successful preservation of historic commercial properties, leading to their continued use and contribution to local economies. Measurable results will include the number of projects completed, the types of services rendered, and the overall impact on economic development within the targeted counties. The grants are awarded on a matching basis, ranging from $500 to $2,500, requiring applicants to demonstrate commitment through their own financial contributions. A follow-up report is required from all grant recipients to document the project's progress and outcomes, allowing Landmarks Illinois to assess the program's effectiveness and impact in line with its strategic priorities for historic preservation and community development.

The Arts and Humanities Grants program, a collaborative effort between the Maine Humanities Council and the Maine Arts Commission, is designed to support organizations in Maine that actively present the state's stories and cultural expressions. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission by fostering cultural understanding and engagement within Maine communities. The grants specifically target innovative community projects that integrate both arts and humanities components, reflecting a strategic priority to bridge these disciplines for broader cultural impact. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are organizations with 501c3 status, government organizations (including federally recognized Indian tribal governments, state/local/city governments), churches, and education organizations (such as schools, school districts, or public/private institutions of higher education) operating within Maine. Organizations serving and/or led by communities traditionally under-resourced in the arts and humanities are particularly encouraged to apply, underscoring an impact goal to promote equity and access within the cultural landscape of the state. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrate strong and clear arts and humanities content, well-defined project goals and impact, a sound project design, effective outreach and engagement strategies, and a realistic budget. These evaluation criteria highlight the focus on projects that are not only creatively rich but also strategically planned to achieve meaningful community engagement and measurable results. The expected outcome is to support projects that effectively share Maine's diverse cultural narratives and artistic expressions with its people. While specific measurable results beyond the project's impact are not explicitly detailed, the emphasis on "strength and clarity in... project goals and impact" suggests that successful applicants will be able to articulate how their projects will achieve tangible benefits for the community. The grants, providing up to $1,000, are a strategic investment by the Maine Humanities Council and Maine Arts Commission to stimulate local cultural activity and ensure that a wide array of voices and stories from across all counties in Maine are heard and celebrated.

The Idaho Fish & Wildlife Foundation is offering grants to support projects that align with its mission to sustain Idaho’s fishing, hunting, and wildlife heritage. Eligible applicants include the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and tax-exempt organizations. Volunteer groups can apply if they have fiscal sponsorship and an endorsement letter from a tax-exempt organization. The maximum funding request is $10,000, with a preferred but not required one-to-one match of Foundation funds. Projects must be completed by December 31, 2025. The Foundation does not fund projects outside Idaho, multi-year proposals, salaries (except for contract personnel), advocacy or fundraising activities, ongoing operating costs, or pass-through grants. Only one applicant may apply per project; if part of a consortium, the lead applicant must apply. Grant renewed very year; January 1st to April 30st

The Gateway Foundation is offering grant opportunities for non-profit arts organizations based in and operating throughout the St. Louis Metropolitan Area. They also support lighting and parks projects that contribute to the cultural fabric of the area, as well as sculpture loans that make pieces accessible to residents within and between St. Louis Metropolitan neighborhoods. The foundation does not fund endowment funds, capital campaigns, promotional projects, general operations, travel or conferences, fundraising events or advertising, purchase of office equipment, or social service programming. To be eligible for funding, organizations must have tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, be headquartered and provide services within the Greater St. Louis Community, and maintain a focus on arts and culture. The foundation does not make grants to individuals or for-profit businesses, organizations or projects outside of the St. Louis Metropolitan Area, or organizations that discriminate on the basis of certain characteristics. The application process involves completing a web form and submitting required attachments, such as a board of directors or officers list, IRS letter indicating tax-exempt status, audited financial statement, project budget, and other relevant documents. The foundation has three deadlines throughout the year for consideration. For more information and to access the application, visit the following link: [https://www.gateway-foundation.org/application.html](https://www.gateway-foundation.org/application.html)

New Mexico Arts offers grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to nonprofit organizations and other entities for arts and cultural programs, including performing, visual, literary, media, multidisciplinary, and interdisciplinary arts, with a focus on equitable distribution of funds across all categories and communities, to be used during the state fiscal year from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.

This grant provides financial support to senior centers in specific Missouri counties to enhance their programs, services, and facilities for older adults.

The Platteville Community Fund, established in 2002, is a permanent, unrestricted charitable endowment aiming to enhance the quality of life in the Platteville area. With over $1,141,000 awarded in grants since its inception, the fund supports community projects across a broad range of areas including the arts, education, health and human services, the environment, and historic preservation. The Platteville Excellence in Education Endowment Fund, part of this family of funds, specifically addresses the educational needs within the Platteville School District that are beyond the scope of the regular school budget. Grants are awarded twice a year to non-profit organizations, the local school district, and/or local government agencies providing charitable programs or projects serving the community. Grant renewed every year. Grant Fall annual deadline:September 15th

The Arts in Bloom Educator Grant, funded by the Union County Community Arts Council in North Carolina, offers less than $1000 to public and charter school teachers in Union County for the development of new, innovative arts education projects for students, with applications evaluated on creativity, artistic need, student engagement, cultural appreciation, and budget clarity.

The Mass Cultural Council's Festivals & Projects Grants program aims to foster a diverse and valued creative and cultural sector within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This grant initiative provides one-year grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, with a fixed amount of $2,500 for eligible activities, to support projects that offer public benefit through the arts, humanities, or sciences. The program's activities are scheduled to take place between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. The Council's broader mission aligns with advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion across the cultural sector, viewing it as essential to the Commonwealth's vitality. The target beneficiaries for this program include a broad spectrum of organizations and the general public of Massachusetts. Eligible applicants encompass Non-Profit Organizations, For-Profit Organizations (specifically Profit Corporations, Multiple-Member LLCs, Limited Partnerships, or Limited Liability Partnerships), Government Entities (federally recognized Tribal, State, or Municipal), and Unincorporated Organizations operating with a fiscal agent. The grants aim to impact communities by supporting festivals, projects, or activities that are free to the public, thus increasing accessibility to cultural experiences. Furthermore, there's a strong focus on empowering organizations led by and serving people of the global majority (BIPOC-centered organizations) and those operating in cities and towns with lower median household incomes and educational attainment, including Gateway Cities. Prioritization for funding is given to festivals, projects, or activities that significantly incorporate or are primarily focused on arts, humanities, or sciences, and those that align with the agency's values of public service and inclusion. Special consideration is given to applicants who have not received Mass Cultural Council funding in the last three fiscal years or are first-time applicants, as well as those participating in the Agency’s Card to Culture program. This approach reflects the Council's strategic priority to broaden its reach and support new and underserved cultural entities. The expected outcomes of the Festivals & Projects Grants program include a more equitable and diverse cultural landscape across Massachusetts, increased public engagement with arts, humanities, and sciences, and enhanced cultural opportunities in economically disadvantaged areas. Measurable results will likely include the number of new organizations funded, the proportion of funding directed to BIPOC-centered organizations and those in priority communities, and the accessibility of cultural events to the public (e.g., free events). The Mass Cultural Council's theory of change posits that by strategically investing in diverse cultural initiatives and organizations that advance equity, they can strengthen the overall creative economy and ensure that cultural experiences are accessible and reflective of all communities in the Commonwealth.

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 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.

This funding opportunity is designed to assist healthcare providers and community organizations in New York State that are working to overcome healthcare access challenges in rural areas.

This program provides funding to organizations in New England for projects that preserve and share the diverse histories of their communities through the conservation of buildings, landscapes, and collections.

This program provides financial support to for-profit food businesses in northeast Washington, D.C., that aim to improve access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food in underserved neighborhoods.