Humanities Focus Grants

What are the humanities?

According to the 1965 National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act, "The term 'humanities' includes, but is not limited to, the study of the following: language, both modern and classical; linguistics; literature; history; jurisprudence; philosophy; archaeology; comparative religion; ethics; the history, criticism and theory of the arts; those aspects of social sciences which have humanistic content and employ humanistic methods; and the study and application of the humanities to the human environment with particular attention to reflecting our diverse heritage, traditions, and history and to the relevance of the humanities to the current conditions of national life."

Are program officers available through phone or e-mail to answer questions?

Yes. Applicants are encouraged to contact us to discuss applications prior to their submission. Staff assistance is more effective if initiated early in the planning stages of a project. The staff can be reached at 202-606-8380 or education@neh.gov .

What other help is available?

Program officers are happy to share lists of awards and samples of previously funded projects. They are also able to look at proposal drafts that are submitted six weeks before the deadline.

My institution applied for a grant last year and was unsuccessful. Will this be held against us if we apply again this year?

No. NEH regards all applications as new applications.

Can I apply for more than one NEH grant at the same time?

Yes, but there are certain restrictions. Individuals cannot simultaneously hold an NEH fellowship and serve as a project director. Applicants interested in applying for more than one grant should consult with a program officer.

Although one project may lead to another project, each grant application is evaluated on its own merit, and awards are not given in anticipation of receiving another NEH grant.

How long do I have to wait to hear about the outcome of my application?

The review process for Humanities Focus Grants is generally around four months.

How long a grant period should I request?

The grant period for Humanities Focus Grants is normally twelve to eighteen months.

What if my institution lacks the resources necessary to organize a competitive project?

All applicants are encouraged to collaborate with partner organizations on projects as a way of sharing scarce human and financial resources. Not only do partnerships help stretch resources, but they also expand potential audiences for projects.

Does my institution need a grant writer to prepare an application?

No. NEH staff members are available to answer your questions and assist you in preparing your proposal. Successful proposals reflect the engagement of humanities faculty in the project.

If my institution receives NEH funding, can we also accept funding from other sources?

Yes. Applicants are encouraged to seek funding from diverse sources. Submitting proposals to other funders has no bearing on how NEH reviews proposals. We do ask that you tell us about those applications, so we understand the project's funding situation.

What is a humanities scholar?

Someone who has an advanced degree in a discipline of the humanities is generally considered a scholar. Scholars can provide context for the project's issues, help identify relevant humanities themes and ideas, and lead study and discussion of those texts and topics.

When should I start consulting with scholars about a project?

As a general rule, the earlier scholars are involved in a project the better. Usually projects recommended for funding are ones in which scholars have helped shape the project's conceptual framework.

Is it acceptable to rely on a single scholar for a project?

Generally, projects that rely on input from a single scholar are not as competitive as others. Working with a number of scholars allows participants to explore a diverse range of interpretive possibilities.

How do I find the right scholarly advisors for a project?

There are a variety of ways to find scholars for your project. NEH program officers can make suggestions to help you find an appropriate scholar for your project. Check with your local college or university to see if any faculty members have relevant expertise or could suggest the names of other scholars. State humanities councils often maintain lists of scholars who have participated in public programs. Finally, ask for samples of funded projects to see what kinds of scholars have participated in other projects.

How can I make my institution's application more competitive?

Competitive applications have the following components: a clear and concise rationale that justifies why the project is important to the applicant institution and advances understanding of the humanities; a description of significant humanities ideas and themes addressed by the project; a format and program that creatively engages faculty members; a detailed series of questions to be considered; a related reading list that shows consideration and understanding of relevant work in the humanities; and a detailed evaluation plan with benchmarks for the project's progress. Follow the review criteria--remember that the first criterion is intellectual content. The staff will read and comment informally on draft proposals if received six weeks before the deadline. Staff responses to preliminary proposals are not part of the formal review process.

My application for a Humanities Focus Grant was unsuccessful. Is there anything I can do to increase my chances for success next time?

You can ask for copies of panelists' comments about your project. Requests should be filed in writing or by e-mail.

How do I know whether my project is more appropriate for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) or the National Endowment for the Humanities?

If your project involves the creation of musical compositions, dance, painting, poetry, short stories, novels, or projects that focus on arts performance or training, then NEA would be a better choice for your application. NEH does support projects that provide an analytical, reflective, or historical perspective on the arts.