Public Humanities Projects
Open
National Endowment for the Humanities is offering grants of up to $2.0 million (at least $1) to nonprofits, colleges and universities, state and local governments and tribes. It expects to make about 20 awards worth $6.0 million in total. Applications close on December 16, 2026.
From the official notice on Grants.gov, last changed October 20, 2026. Checked October 31, 2026.
- Award ceiling$2.0 million
- Award floor$1
- Expected awards20
- Total funding$6.0 million
- Cost sharingNot required
- Funding typeGrant
Key dates
| Posted | October 16, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Deadline | December 16, 2026 |
Add the deadline to your calendar
Who can apply
This opportunity is open to nonprofits, colleges and universities, state and local governments and tribes.
- State governments
- County governments
- City or township governments
- Special district governments
- Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
- Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
- Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Private institutions of higher education
Is this a realistic fit?
- No cost sharing or match is required.
What the grant funds
The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Division of Lifelong Learning is accepting applications for the Public Humanities Projects program. The purpose of this program is to support projects that bring the ideas and insights of the humanities to life in three areas: (1) exhibitions, (2) historic site interpretations, and (3) public lectures and discussions. For 2027, NEH welcomes applications that promote deeper public understanding of the following topics: Western civilization and America’s place in it; great works of literature, history, philosophy, and theology and their relevance to contemporary questions; the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution; civic education; civil discourse; cultural literacy, and the practice of close reading. Public Lectures and Discussion Forums must address one of these interest areas.
How to apply
- Read the full notice and attachments on Grants.gov and the agency's announcement. The notice is the official source for deadlines and requirements.
- Make sure your organization has an active SAM.gov registration and Unique Entity ID; registration can take several weeks.
- Register on Grants.gov and submit through Workspace before the deadline and time given in the notice. Our application guide walks through each step.
Questions go to National Endowment for the Humanities, learning@neh.gov, 202-606-8204.
Questions people ask
Who can apply for Public Humanities Projects?
National Endowment for the Humanities accepts applications from nonprofits, colleges and universities, state and local governments and tribes.
What is the deadline for Public Humanities Projects?
Closes December 16, 2026 (46 days left). Confirm the date and time in the official notice on Grants.gov.
How much funding is available?
Awards of up to $2.0 million each. About $6.0 million in total across about 20 awards.