Institutional Grants for Historically Black, Hispanic-Serving, and Tribal Colleges and Universities

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."

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 supports projects that provide an analytical, reflective, or historical perspective on the arts.

Are particular areas of the humanities preferred in the review of Institutional Grants applications?

No. NEH encourages applications that respond to the We the People initiative, but all projects will be evaluated according to the stated criteria.

How can I obtain a list of previous Institutional Grants?

Lists of previous Institutional Grants are available on NEH's website.

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

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

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

Can a currently funded project be continued with a subsequent Institutional Grant?

This is possible, but no NEH grant program, including Institutional Grants, guarantees funding beyond the current grant. If a grantee submits a new application to continue the work of a previous Institutional Grant, successful completion of that project must be documented in the new application.

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.

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

Yes. Applicants are encouraged to seek support 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.

When should I start consulting with scholars about a project?

As a general rule, the earlier that outside consulting scholars are involved in a project the better. Usually projects recommended for grant awards are ones that have benefited from a dialogue among faculty at your institution and with consulting scholars.

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

You can obtain copies of comments about your project made by outside evaluators who were part of the initial stage of review. Requests must be in writing or by e-mail.

What is the difference between an Institutional Grant and a Grant for Teaching and Learning Resources and Curriculum Development?

The two types of grant are quite similar in their goals and activities. However, only historically black colleges and universities, hispanic-serving institutions, and tribal colleges and universities, are eligible for Institutional Grants. These institutions are also eligible for other grants offered by NEH.

Can my institution apply both for an Institutional Grant and a Grant for Teaching and Learning Resources and Curriculum Development?

Yes. An applicant should in this case indicate on both applications that the other is also being submitted. Applying to both programs may be advisable particularly in those instances in which an institution is submitting applications for completely distinct projects. Consult with NEH staff to determine which program is best suited for each application. Some successful applicants have submitted identical proposals in the two competitions in the same year. Identical or substantially overlapping proposals may receive support from one program or the other but not from both.

Can Institutional Grants be used for the pursuit of independent research?

No. However, NEH supports independent research in the humanities through its Fellowships and Summer Stipends programs. Faculty at historically black, Hispanic-serving, and tribal colleges and universities can also apply for Faculty Research Awards.