Mission/Giving Statement: Created in 1965 as an independent federal agency, the National Endowment for the Humanities supports learning in history, literature, philosophy and other areas of the humanities. NEH grants enrich classroom learning, create and preserve knowledge, and bring ideas to life through public television, radio, new technologies, exhibitions, and programs in libraries, museums, and other community places.
Grantmaking Program Areas: Education; Preservation & Access; Public Programs; Research Programs; Challenge Grants; Digital Humanities
Grantmaking Program Area Descriptions:
Division of Education Programs: Seeks to improve humanities education at schools and colleges. Through its programs devoted to teachers and their students, the division strives to cultivate intellectual curiosity, so that students can deepen their reflections on human expertise; increase their understanding of different cultures and societies, past and present; and achieve the knowledge and wisdom necessary for democratic citizenship. Contact: (202) 606-8500; education[at]neh[dot]gov
Division of Preservation & Access: Provides leadership and support in the national effort to preserve and create access to cultural heritage resources that constitute the foundation for research, education, and public programming in the humanities. Its grants help NEH achieve one of its major strategic goals: to advance knowledge and understanding of the humanities in the United States. Contact: (202) 606-8570; preservation[at]neh[dot]gov
Division of Public Programs: Expands understanding of the humanities through engaging and substantive projects that encourage lifelong learning for Americans nationwide. Contact: (202) 606-8269; publicpgms[at]neh[dot]gov
Division of Research Programs: Encourages research and writing in all areas of the humanities, including the study of history, literature, philosophy, religion, and foreign cultures. Through grants to individual scholars and institutions, the division fosters work that enables Americans to understand the world. Contact: (202) 606-8200; research[at]neh[dot]gov
Office of Challenge Grants: Through a program of matching grants, the office advances knowledge and understanding in the humanities by strengthening the institutional base for humanities teaching, research, preservation, and public programming. Contact: (202) 606-8309; challenge[at]neh[dot]gov
Office of Digital Humanities: Takes a leadership role in helping the humanities embrace and use the technology created by the digital revolution. Contact: odh[at]neh[dot]gov
Type of Funding/Funding Restrictions:
See individual grants for eligibility and restrictions.
Application Instructions: NEH requires all applicants to apply online through www.grants.gov. Grant application instructions are online and vary for each grant. Please note, applications must include a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and register with the Central Contractor’s Registry (CCR). It is suggested that this be completed at least 30 days in advance of the application due date.
Notes: Register for email announcements through www.grants.gov. See NEH's "Apply for a Grant" page for a list of grants offered.
