Consultation, Planning, and Implementation Grants for Museums, Libraries, or Special Projects

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.

May I apply for more than one NEH grant for my project?

Applicants may apply to support different phases and activities of their projects. For example, an institution may apply for a preservation grant to stabilize their collections, a challenge grant to support a capital improvement program, or a consultation, planning, or implementation grant to mount an exhibition.

Applicants may apply for consultation, planning, or implementation grants, either singly or in sequence, but they cannot submit a second proposal for a project if the outcome of the prior application is still pending. For example, if an applicant institution has a planning grant application pending, it cannot apply for an implementation grant for the same project until it has heard the outcome of the planning grant."

Do I need to apply for a consultation grant before I apply for a planning grant or implementation grant?

No. Organizations may apply for any type of grant--consultation, planning, or implementation--that is appropriate for the developmental stage of their project. Although many applicants find it beneficial to obtain planning funds before applying for implementation, it is not required.

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

The wait time for consultation grant applications is normally 4-5 months; for planning and implementation applications 6-7 months.

How long a grant period should I request?

The grant period for consultation grants and planning grants is normally about twelve months. Implementation projects normally run from two to three years, although this varies depending on the project. Grantees are encouraged not to rush through the early planning phases of a project, particularly if they receive a consultation grant. Instead, they should allow time for the ideas generated during the planning phase to coalesce into coherent, workable steps that will move the project forward.

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.

What are the differences between outright funds, matching funds, and cost sharing?

Outright funds are awarded without being contingent on additional fund-raising.

Matching funds require a grantee to obtain gift funds from third parties before federal funds are awarded.

Cost sharing consists of the cash contributions made to projects by the applicant and third parties as well as third-party-in-kind contributions, such as donated goods and services. Cost sharing also includes gift money that will be raised to release federal matching funds.

If I receive NEH funding, may I 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 and identify relevant humanities themes and ideas.

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 okay to rely on a single scholar for a project?

Projects that depend on input from a single scholar are not as competitive. Working with a number of scholars allows projects 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. Check with your local college or university to see if any faculty members have relevant expertise or could suggest the names of other scholars. You can also peruse bookstores (either real or on-line) to see who has published on topics related to your project. State humanities councils often maintain lists of scholars who have participated in public programs. You can also contact professional associations or consult published directories of scholars. Finally, ask for samples of funded projects to see what kinds of scholars that have participated in other projects.

What do you mean when you say that a project should be guided by themes?

Themes are the intellectual or conceptual threads that tie the various parts of a project together. More than a topic, a theme provides a broad conceptual framework that helps audiences approach things analytically and from a variety of perspectives. Themes are often framed as overarching questions that move a project beyond a simple presentation of facts or topics and encourage audiences both to see things in new ways and to think more deeply about a given subject.

Can K-12 students be involved in Public Programs projects?

Although projects should be geared mainly for public audiences, it is common for projects to feature ancillary programs for K-12 students or to prepare curricular packets for use in schools, especially in museum projects.

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. We are also happy to look at drafts of proposals and to share samples of previously funded projects. The staff can be reached at 202-606-8269 or publicpgms@neh.gov.

My organization is unable to submit our application via Grants.gov, what should we do?

Contact the program for directions on how to apply at 202-606-8269 or publicpgms@neh.gov.