Humanities Montana’s Mini-Grants provide rapid-response funding to nonprofit organizations and public institutions across Montana. These grants support public humanities programs designed to engage Montanans in meaningful discussions about the human experience, foster collaboration among cultural organizations such as museums, libraries, schools, and tribal organizations, and enhance civic discourse across diverse cultures and geographical areas in the state. The Mini-Grants aim to fund innovative and impactful projects that inspire timely community conversations through activities such as film screenings, panel discussions, cultural festivals, and youth literacy programs.

These grants specifically support public events, workshops, author visits, speaker honoraria, and new ideas that align with the goals of the Humanities Montana program. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, accredited institutions of higher education, state or local government entities or agencies (such as schools, libraries, and museums), federally recognized Native American tribal governments, and tribal organizations. To apply, applicants must provide a Unique Entity ID (UEI) and a Federal Tax ID (EIN).

Applications for the Mini-Grants are accepted on a rolling basis, contingent upon funding availability. However, proposals must be submitted at least four to six weeks before the planned project activities. Grants can fund projects for a period of up to 12 months, starting from the award date. Applicants can expect to receive award notifications within four to six weeks after submission.

To apply, interested organizations must first review the Mini-Grant Guidelines. They are also encouraged to schedule a 30-minute consultation with the Humanities Montana Grants Office to discuss their proposal. The application is submitted online through the Humanities Montana portal, where applicants can also preview the required application questions.

The maximum award for a Mini-Grant is $2,000, and there is no matching funds requirement. Successful projects are expected to contribute to the public humanities field and create meaningful engagement opportunities for Montana communities.

For inquiries and assistance, applicants can contact Megan J. Hill Sundy, the Grants and Evaluation Director, at megan.sundy@humanitiesmontana.org or call (406) 243-6067. The Humanities Montana office is located at 311 Brantly, Missoula, MT 59812.