The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Collaborative Research Grant Program provides funding to support teams of scholars engaged in collaborative research projects that advance humanistic knowledge. The program offers awards of up to $250,000, or up to $300,000 for collaborations that include a community college or a qualifying Minority-Serving Institution (MSI). The grant supports projects with outputs such as books, conferences, digital resources, themed journal issues, or open-access websites. Periods of performance can last up to three years, depending on the category of funding sought.

The program encourages interdisciplinary and international collaborations that address significant research questions in the humanities, with scholars from U.S. institutions playing a substantial role. Tangible outcomes should demonstrate collaboration and innovative inquiry, focusing on interpretation and addressing key humanities research challenges. Projects may span single disciplines or integrate multiple fields and perspectives, including partnerships with researchers in the natural and social sciences.

Applicants must specify one of four project categories: Planning International Collaboration, Convening, Manuscript Preparation, or Scholarly Digital Projects. The program emphasizes sustainable outcomes that contribute meaningfully to the humanities and encourages the exploration of new perspectives and methodologies.

The NEH supports proposals addressing themes under its Humanities Perspectives on Artificial Intelligence initiative, focusing on ethical, legal, and societal implications of AI. Collaborative projects involving partnerships with scholars in Greece or Israel may be eligible for additional funding through new international collaboration opportunities.

Applications for the next funding cycle are anticipated to open on August 19, 2025, with a deadline of November 19, 2025. Applicants may submit optional drafts for feedback by September 18, 2024. Notifications of awards are expected by August 31, 2026, for projects starting as early as October 1, 2026.

Interested parties can access application instructions, webinar recordings, and resources on the NEH website. Applications must adhere to updated federal regulations for grants issued on or after October 1, 2024. For additional guidance, applicants are encouraged to contact the Division of Research Programs at collaborative@neh.gov.