Private Humanities Grants

This funding opportunity supports scholarly publications and conservation projects related to the art, architecture, and material culture of the Islamic world prior to 1920 CE, aimed at individuals and institutions dedicated to preserving and promoting Islamic heritage.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in West Virginia for public humanities projects that engage audiences in the study of various disciplines, including history, literature, and philosophy.

The Bowen Family Performing Arts Fund, managed by The Denver Foundation, aims to support performing arts programs. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance opportunities for elementary and middle school youth, particularly those who have limited access to arts education. The grant seeks to foster an appreciation and understanding of various performing arts, connecting with the foundation's broader goal of supporting children from underserved or historically disadvantaged communities. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are elementary and middle school-aged youth who have fewer opportunities to engage with and learn about the arts. The impact goal is to increase their exposure to and appreciation of performing arts. The fund focuses on supporting programs within the seven-county Metro Denver region, ensuring that the foundation's efforts are concentrated within its defined service area and reach the intended demographic. The program prioritizes performing arts such as ballet, tap, jazz, opera, symphonic music, musicals, and theater productions. Strong applications will demonstrate an effective approach to promoting and furthering the teaching and appreciation of these art forms. The expected outcomes include increased participation in and understanding of performing arts among targeted youth, leading to enhanced cultural literacy and personal development. Measurable results could include attendance numbers, program completion rates, and feedback from participants and educators regarding the impact of the programs. While the document does not explicitly detail The Denver Foundation's overarching strategic priorities or theory of change, the focus on underserved youth in the arts suggests a strategic commitment to equitable access to cultural enrichment and youth development. The grant amounts, expected to range from $5,000 to $15,000, indicate a strategy of supporting numerous impactful, smaller-scale programs that can collectively create a significant difference within the community. The eligibility criteria emphasize supporting 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or those with fiscal sponsors, ensuring that funds are distributed to legitimate and well-governed entities capable of delivering the intended programming.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and communities in Maine for humanities projects that promote public engagement and exploration of cultural and educational initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Staten Island artists, collaborative groups, and community arts organizations for public art and cultural projects that engage the local community and promote under-resourced disciplines.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Greater Hartford, Connecticut, to deliver essential emergency services and support for vulnerable residents facing basic needs like food security, medical aid, and financial assistance.

The Margaret E. Burnham Charitable Trust, established to honor the legacy of Margaret E. Burnham, a lifelong resident of Falmouth, Maine, supports nonprofit organizations operating within Maine. The Trust is dedicated to funding projects in five main areas: Community and Social Services (40%), Medical (10%), Education (20%), Arts and Culture (20%), and Environment (10%). It awards grants annually to tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, prioritizing those that do not request multi-year funding, and explicitly excluding awards to individuals or religious organizations. The Trust reviews applications once a year in December, with a submission deadline of October 1st. Occasionally, the Trust also recognizes organizations for exemplary work or significant promise in these focus areas without a formal request. Grant renewed every year. Annual deadline: October 1st

This funding opportunity provides financial support for New Jersey-based nonprofit organizations and government entities to implement public humanities projects that engage local audiences through activities like exhibitions, oral history projects, and community programs.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and tribal governments in New York State for projects that engage the public in meaningful discussions and reflections on current issues through the humanities.

This fellowship provides a prestigious opportunity for aspiring journalists with less than five years of experience to work alongside The Wall Street Journal's editorial team, enhancing their skills and contributing to impactful journalism.

The Arts and Culture Access funding is designed to support the engagement of Orange County Public Schools students in the arts, which is associated with improvements in math, reading, cognitive abilities, critical thinking, verbal skills, motivation, concentration, confidence, and teamwork. This initiative facilitates students' development of these skills through field trips and in-school programs that are integrated into their class curriculum. The program welcomes applications year-round, with a primary funding decision period in late summer. For priority consideration, applications should be submitted by June 30th, following the opening of the application period on June 1st.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofits in Illinois and Missouri that are addressing critical community needs through innovative or emergent programs, with a focus on areas such as basic needs, health, and youth success.

The Ledyard Rotary Foundation offers annual grants targeting community organizations within the local area, emphasizing support for emergency relief, educational enhancements, quality of life improvements, health care access and quality enhancements, and addressing social problems. This initiative aims to benefit the residents of Ledyard and southeastern Connecticut but is also open to supporting state, national, and international programs. Grant renewed every year. Grant annual deadline: May 15th

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.

This funding opportunity provides up to $10,000 to nonprofit organizations and educational institutions in Oklahoma for projects that preserve and digitize important humanities collections to enhance public access and research.

This funding opportunity provides up to $10,000 for nonprofit organizations and educational institutions to document and preserve cultural heritage through oral history projects.

The Humanities Montana’s Community Project Grants support public humanities programming throughout Montana. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to strengthen community and culture by promoting civic engagement, sparking thoughtful community dialogue, and reflecting on the human experience across the state. These grants are designed to foster bold and innovative projects that are meaningful to local communities and inspire timely community conversations. The primary target beneficiaries are the general public across Montana, with a particular emphasis on engaging diverse communities and cultures. The impact goals include deepening public understanding of significant humanities questions, building on sound humanities scholarship, and fostering analytical approaches that present a variety of perspectives. The program aims to strengthen cultural understanding and civic participation through accessible and appealing formats. The program prioritizes projects focused on clearly defined humanities themes. Funding is available for a wide array of formats, including storytelling, historical analysis, public writing workshops, literacy programs, ethical inquiry, interpretation at historic sites, book festivals, exhibits, lectures, speaker series, panel discussions, teacher institutes & workshops, humanities program planning, reading & discussion programs, and various humanities events. All projects must involve humanities scholars (academic, professional, or subject-expert) in all aspects and require at least one confirmed subject-expert. Expected outcomes include increased public engagement with humanities topics, enhanced community dialogue, and a deeper reflection on the human experience. Measurable results will likely be demonstrated through the reach and participation in the programs, the quality of humanities scholarship integrated, and the active involvement of communities and cultures represented in project content. For projects involving Native American communities, letters of support from participating scholars, researchers, and/or program participants are required, outlining their involvement. The maximum award for these grants ranges from $2,000 to $10,000.

This funding opportunity supports projects that improve the quality of life in Greenwood County through initiatives in arts, community development, parks, recreation, and animal welfare.

The Sid W. Richardson Foundation provides grants to support the missions of non-profit organizations serving the people of Texas, with a focus on educational, health, human service, and cultural programs and projects. Established in 1947 by Sid W. Richardson, the Foundation began distributing major grants in 1962, following the availability of substantial income from assets from Richardson's estate. Despite Richardson's global interests, his primary concern remained with the people of his home state of Texas. The Foundation, through its Board of Directors and staff, continues to fulfill his vision by prioritizing grants that directly benefit clients or target audiences, particularly in smaller communities and rural areas. Grants are not available to individuals but are made primarily to organizations within Texas, especially those in the Fort Worth area for human services and cultural organizations. Grant renewed every year. Annual Fall deadline: September 15th.

The Scherman Foundation's Core Fund for Strengthening New York Communities focuses on challenging inequities and improving the conditions of New York City communities in need. The grant program supports housing justice, equitable economic development, gender equity, worker rights, immigrant community challenges, sustainable development, and police and carceral system reform. It also provides support for policy reform organizations collaborating with neighborhood-based groups. The Foundation prioritizes general operating support for smaller neighborhood groups and offers project-specific support for larger and policy-focused organizations or collaborative campaigns.