Humanities Initiatives
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.
How can I obtain a list of previous grants of this type?
Lists of previous Institutional Grants and Humanities Initiative Grants are available online.
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 evaluates all applications as new applications.
May I apply for more than one NEH grant at the same time?
Yes, but there are certain restrictions. For example, individuals may not 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.
May a currently funded project be continued with a subsequent grant for a Humanities Initiative?
It is possible, but no NEH grant program, including Humanities Initiatives, guarantees funding beyond the current grant. If a grantee submits a new application to continue the work of a previous grant, successful completion of the earlier 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, may we also accept money from other sources?
Yes. NEH encourages applicants 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 that 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 have benefited from a dialogue among faculty at the applicant institution and with consulting scholars.
My application for a Humanities Initiative grant was unsuccessful. Is there anything I may do to increase my chances for success next time?
You may 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.
May I use a Humanities Initiatives grant for the pursuit of independent research?
No. NEH does, however, support independent research in the humanities through its Fellowships and Summer Stipends programs.
May I use a Humanities Initiative grant for the acquisition of equipment, materials and supplies?
The acquisition of equipment, materials, and supplies is allowable when it supports the primary purpose of the Humanities Initiative project. For example, work on a new Web site developed in the course of a series of faculty workshops may be facilitated by the purchase of a computer. Humanities Initiative grants may also support the purchase of texts for participants for an in-depth study of a topic in the humanities. The acquisition of closely related titles for a college library may sustain further research by faculty and students.